Good News

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India’s 2nd Privately Developed Rocket Will Be Powered by First Domestic 3D Printed Engine

Agnikul Cosmos Private Limited, a space start-up is set to make its mark with the  impending launch of India's second privately developed rocket. But what sets this mission apart from the rest? It's the pioneering technology that propels it forward – the country's first-ever 3D printed engine. Founded by a team of passionate visionaries, Srinath Ravichandran, Moin SPM, and Satya Chakravarthy, in 2017, Agnikul Cosmos has been on a relentless quest to redefine India's presence in the global space arena. With a firm belief in indigenous innovation, they have meticulously developed every aspect of their rocket technology, from design to manufacturing, right here in India. Agnikul Cosmos' upcoming launch is powered by a revolutionary 3D printed engine, marking a major advancement in space technology. This innovation offers unmatched efficiency, reliability, and cost-effectiveness, breaking traditional barriers and enabling more sustainable space exploration. With localized engine production, India asserts its leadership in cutting-edge aerospace technologies. Agnikul Cosmos stated that the first stage of the three-stage Agnibaan rocket is propelled by seven Agnite engines, with each capable of producing 25 kN of thrust at sea level. They further mentioned that all of these engines are electric pump-fed engines, which allows for simplified engine design and highly configurable engine clustering architectures. According to TheHindu, Satya Chakravarthy, a professor at the Department of Aerospace Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, and co-founder and advisor of Agnikul Cosmos, commented on the launch, mentioning that it would mark India's first liquid oxygen-kerosene rocket flight in the country, from the nation's first privately developed launchpad located in Sriharikota. He further added that more importantly, they would be flying their patented world's most integrated single-piece 3D printed rocket. This launch isn't the first private rocket endeavor by ISRO. Previously, the Vikram-S, developed by the four-year-old Hyderabad-based startup Skyroot Aerospace, became the first private rocket to lift off from ISRO's spaceport in Sriharikota in November 2022. As India inches closer to its spacefaring goals, startups like Agnikul Cosmos are playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of space exploration. Their relentless pursuit of excellence serves as an inspiration to aspiring scientists and engineers across the nation, igniting a passion for innovation that knows no bounds.

29 Mar 2024

Good News

Breakthrough in 3D Printing: Robotic Hand with Bones, Ligaments, and Tendons Created for the First Time!

In a groundbreaking development, scientists at ETH Zurich have achieved a significant milestone in 3D printing technology by successfully creating a robotic hand complete with bones, ligaments, and tendons. This remarkable achievement opens up new possibilities in the field of prosthetics and could revolutionize the lives of individuals in need of limb replacements. By utilizing the latest advancements in 3D printing, the research team at ETH Zurich has overcome previous limitations in the technology. Traditionally, 3D printers were restricted to using fast-curing plastics, but the team has now made slow-curing polymers suitable for the printing process. This breakthrough enables the creation of complex structures, including delicate parts and cavities, with enhanced elasticity and durability. The incorporation of bones, ligaments, and tendons into the robotic hand brings it closer to replicating the functionality and movement of a human hand. The different polymers used can be fine-tuned to mimic the elasticity or rigidity found in natural hands, providing a major advancement over existing 3D-printed prosthetics. One of the key advantages of soft robotic materials, such as this innovative hand, is their reduced risk of injury when interacting with humans. Additionally, their flexibility makes them well-suited for handling fragile objects. These characteristics make the robotic hand an ideal solution for both medical and industrial applications. This groundbreaking achievement has been published in the journal Nature, showcasing the potential of 3D printing in the field of prosthetics. With further advancements and refinements, this technology has the potential to transform the lives of individuals with limb loss, providing them with highly functional and personalized prosthetic solutions.

17 Nov 2023

Good News

Global News

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Milan Company Transforms Food Waste into Environmentally Friendly and Visually Stunning Furniture!

Milan, known for its cutting-edge design, is making waves in the world of eco-chic furniture with a groundbreaking initiative that transforms food waste into 3D printing materials. A local company, Krill, has taken the risk of investing in this innovative approach, resulting in the creation of tabletop furniture that is both environmentally friendly and visually stunning. Using discarded lemons, oranges from the islands of Naples, and coffee grounds from Milan's bars, Krill has produced an array of products including table lamps, incense holders, magazine racks, key bowls, clocks, and bookends. While these items may come with a higher price tag, they have gained popularity within their price range. Moreover, for every kilogram of printing material used, one kilogram of carbon emissions is saved from being generated in landfills. Krill holds a patent for their printing material, called ReKrill, which has already attracted the attention of notable corporations like San Pellegrino and Four Seasons. The company's director of operations, Marco Di Maio, emphasizes the eco-friendly nature of their products, stating that if any material ends up in the ocean, it is biodegradable and does not produce microplastics. In addition to reducing landfill waste, Krill has partnered with non-profit organizations to channel city food waste, such as coffee grounds, into sustainable recycling projects. The furniture produced by Krill can even be composted, and its biodegradability ensures the safety of curious pets. With this innovative approach, Milan is demonstrating its commitment to the circular economy and sustainable living. The fusion of technology, design, and environmental consciousness has resulted in remarkable creations that not only beautify living spaces but also contribute to a greener future.

8 Dec 2023

Global News

Positive Reads

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Unveiling Tvasta: Revolutionizing Construction with India's First 3D-Printed House

Tvasta Manufacturing, a deep technology startup emerging from IIT-Madras, Chennai, is a pioneering force in 3D construction printing. Unveiling India's technological prowess, Tvasta stands as a beacon of innovation, crafting its unique mix, machine, and methodology for 3D printing. In the heart of this startup lies a collective of diverse engineers whose collaboration sparks true magic. Established five years ago, Tvasta has unfurled numerous firsts in India's 3D construction printing landscape: Pioneering India's inaugural 3D printer structure, a proof of concept in 2018. Crafting a proprietary mix, machine (software and hardware), and methodology for printing. Marking history with India's premiere 3D printed house, fully executed within a remarkable 21 days. Tvasta's core mission revolves around solving the construction industry's efficiency puzzle. Their focus? Achieving optimal time utilization, zero waste material deployment, and seamless operational processes. The startup's groundbreaking project, the first 3D printed house, stands as a testament to their pursuit of efficiency optimization. Despite battling a pandemic and severe storms with limited resources, Tvasta's project showcases unparalleled efficiency, completed within a mere 21 days. Tvasta's C3DP, an automated manufacturing method for crafting three-dimensional, real-life structures, encompasses 3D printer development, material formulation, and software integration. Founded by three IIT Madras alumni, this deep tech startup's accomplishment with India's first 3D-printed house ignites hope for affordable housing initiatives nationwide.

15 Nov 2023

Positive Reads

What Is 3D Printing?

3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is a process of creating three-dimensional objects by building them layer by layer. The technology has been around for decades, but has recently gained popularity due to advancements in materials, software, and hardware. The process begins with creating a 3D model of the object using computer-aided design (CAD) software. This model is then sliced into thin layers, which are used as a blueprint for the printer to follow. The printer then starts building the object by laying down successive layers of material, such as plastic, metal, or even living cells. There are several different types of 3D printing technologies, including Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), Stereolithography (SLA), and Selective Laser Sintering (SLS). Each technology uses a different method of building the object, but the end result is the same: a fully-formed, three-dimensional object. 3D printing has a wide range of applications, from prototyping and product development to manufacturing and even medical and dental applications. For example, in the medical field, 3D printing is used to create prosthetic limbs, dental implants, and even human organs. In manufacturing, it is used to create complex parts for airplanes, cars, and other machines. Despite its many benefits, 3D printing is not without its challenges. The cost of the technology and materials can be high, and the process can be time-consuming. Additionally, there are concerns about the environmental impact of 3D printing, as well as the potential for misuse, such as the creation of weapons or other dangerous objects. 3D printing is a revolutionary technology that has the potential to change the way we design and manufacture products. As advancements continue to be made in materials, software, and hardware, it is likely that 3D printing will become even more prevalent in a wide range of industries.

17 Jan 2023

Positive Reads

Star Citizens

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The Smallest Satellite Ever Launched by NASA Is Made by a 17-Year-Old Indian

When Rifath Sharook looks up to the sky, the firmament beckons him to explore. Rifath saw his dream come true when he designed and developed the world’s smallest satellite. He named his small creation KalamSat, in honor of the nuclear physicist and former Indian President Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam. This mini-satellite weighs only 64 gm and is similar to a rubic cube that fits into a palm. He used 3D printing to create miniature spacecraft. The satellite was able to meet the requirements established by NASA for its built-in carbon fiber.  On June 22, 2017, Mr. Sharook witnessed the launch of his small satellite during a Terrier Orion-sounding rocket mission. In 12 minutes, the tiny satellite finished its task. The mission's goal was to evaluate the carbon fiber's performance in challenging circumstances. The team was thrilled as the mission was successful. Sharook took part in the NASA and "I Doodle Learning" competition "Cubes in orbit" with his invention. This was his ticket to space. The competition had participation from about 80,000 pupils. His project garnered a lot of attention. Since he was a young child, Sharook has been a member of the Chennai-based Space Kidz India organization. The Kalam SAT was developed as a result of this experience and early stimulation, which produced unexpected outcomes. According to the young scientist, Abdul Kashif, the lead engineer in charge of the engineering calculations, Yagna Sai, the chief technologist, and their strong team contributed to the success of the Kalam SAT. The simulation and flight calculations were planned by flight engineer Tanishq Dwivedi. The satellite's structure and exterior cladding were handled by structural engineer Vinay Bharadwaj.

21 Dec 2022

Star Citizens

Global Inspirations

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World’s Smallest Stent Could Be a Boon to Medical Science

Stents are being widely used to treat blocked coronary vessels, but researchers from Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich, Switzerland felt the need for a smaller stent to treat urethral stricture that develops one in every thousand children, sometimes even when they are still a foetus in the womb. Use Of the Stent The smallest stent can prevent life-threatening levels of urine from accumulating in the bladder if it could be inserted to widen the constriction while the foetus is still in the womb, according to the study published in the journal Advanced Materials Technologies. However, it is impossible to create a stent, so small in size through conventional methods. Therefore, paediatric surgeon Gaston De Bernardis from Aargau Cantonal Hospital approached the Multi-Scale Robotics Lab at ETH Zurich. How The Stent Functions Researchers at the Lab have been able to develop a new method which will help them produce highly detailed structures measuring less than 100 micrometres in diameter by a method called indirect 4D printing. The stent’s shape-memory properties enable it every time to return to its original shape after compression, thus widening the constricted area of the urinary tract. Before finding real-world application, researchers said that the stent will first be tested in animal models. The results can open the door to the development of new tools for minimally invasive surgery. Image Source: Futurity.org

15 Aug 2019

Global Inspirations

New method helps in the 3D print of glass objects

Soon, it will be possible  to make very small optical components for complex computers, thanks to the ability of scientists to develop a way to 3D print objects using glass. Researchers from Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) in Germany developed a process using glass for additive manufacturing techniques, commonly known as 3D printing.  They could achieve this with the process of Stereolithography which is a form of 3D printing used for creating models, prototypes, patterns and production parts in a layer by layer fashion using photopolymerisation, a process by which light causes chains of molecules to link, forming polymers. This is the first time that the  variety of 3D-printing techniques have been used on glass. Earlier, it  has been used on polymers or metals, but never on glass. The 3D-formed glass can be used, for instance, in data technology. The next plus one generation of computers will use light, which requires complicated processor structures. Researchers said that  3D technology could be used to make small, complex structures out of a large number of very small optical components of different orientations.

25 Apr 2017

Global Inspirations

3D printing helps doctor to rebuild jaw

Dr. Daya Gahir of Royal Stoke University Hospital in England has been able to reconstruct a human jaw with the help of 3D printing. He specialises in facial, head and neck surgery and conducts as many as 40 reconstructions a year. His task became more efficient when last year, as his hospital acquired the software required to use the 3D printer which enabled him to design and manufacture surgical tools and perform surgery. Speaking to Stoke Sentinel newspaper, Gahir said that they do at least 40 major head and neck reconstructions every year and around 10 to 15 cases is expected to be done with the help of the printer. It took twelve hours to conduct this delicate surgery on his patient Stephen Waterhouse whose jawbone had disintegrated after he underwent radiotherapy treatment for his throat cancer a few years ago. Since bone has to be replaced with bone, a part of the leg bone was taken and reshaped. Some part of the skin had also to be taken to be replanted into the neck. Waterhouse said that the aftercare was also very important, but he was very pleased the results. He said that nobody can tell the difference between the two sides of his mouth.

24 Mar 2017

Global Inspirations