3D print: TU Vienna sets new standards in technology and medicine

Von WOM

Lately, 3D print has become an important topic, especially at the Technical University of Vienna, which is considered a pioneer in this area. With an impressive record of 665 patent applications between 2000 and 2020, the Vienna University of Technology shows its commitment to innovation and technological progress. This continuous pursuit of development not only brings new research results, but also opens up promising applications in various areas, especially medicine.

The Vienna University of Technology has its headquarters on Karlsplatz, but a large part of research on Campus Getreidemarkt 9 takes place in Mariahilf. Here scientists are working on researching the full potential of 3D printing. The university has not only made a name for itself nationally, but also internationally and currently occupies sixth place in Europe in the patent applications in relation to the population.

Visit from the Minister of Science

A recent visit by Science Minister Martin Polaschek (ÖVP) at the Vienna University of Technology gave insights into the fascinating possibilities of 3D printing, especially in medical applications. The leading heads of the university were present, including Aleksandr Ovsianikov, who heads the research group "3D Printing and Biofabrication", as well as Rector Jens Schneider and the researchers Jürgen Stampfl and Franziska Chalupa-Gantner. The latter have developed the first 3D printer that works with biomass and allows to produce biological materials for medical purposes, for example for dental implants.

Stampfl is a pioneer in the field of additive manufacturing technologies. At the faculty of mechanical engineering and business sciences, he is working on the production of 3D objects with precise laser technology. This method makes it possible to specifically harden liquid material in order to create tailor -made products. Stampfl is also a co-founder of "Lithoz", a company that is now considered a world market leader in ceramic 3D printing and whose products are used in aviation technology and dental technology.

research for medicine

Franziska Chalupa-Gantner contributes to research, which is at the interface between materials science and medicine. It develops 3D printed structures that are important for medical research. In particular, they are involved in the design of so-called "brain phantoms", which represent artificial calibration bodies and are modeled on the human brain. These phantoms enable neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis or Alzheimer's with modern imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

In order to create the perfect replicas of the human brain, extreme precision is required. When producing, tiny channels must be generated in the 3D printed objects, which are thinner than human hair. These fine structures are crucial to reproduce the complex nerve network of the brain and thus offer new starting points for researching neurological diseases.

The ongoing developments and innovations in the area of ​​3D printing at the Vienna University of Technology show not only their pioneering spirit, but also the immense potential of this technology. While the university is not only valued nationally but also internationally, it remains to be seen in the future.

For a detailed view of the case, See the report on www.meinbezirk.at .