Despite ongoing COVID-19 travel restrictions, Lithoz and Objective3D have successfully completed the remote installation of a Lithoz CeraFab 3D printer at the University of Wollongong (UoW).
A partnership between UoW, Lithoz and Objective3D allowed the remote installation of the high-resolution ceramic printer to occur, which will be used for a broad range of applications in the development of bioprinting hardware. The printer was purchased by the Australian National Fabrication Facility (ANFF) Materials Node, which is based at UoW, for use at the Translational Research Initiative for Cellular Engineering and Printing (TRICEP). TRICEP works with research institutions and industry to develop innovative technologies using 3D bioprinting.
Dr Johannes Homa, CEO of Lithoz, said the project highlighted the importance of agile working: “We are world and industry technology providers for ceramic 3D printing systems and materials, and have been working in research and industry for more than ten years. After the past year, it has become clear to us just how critical flexibility in the manufacturing world is, and we are very happy that this remote installation has been a success.”
The investment from ANFF will give TRICEP a highly flexible means of customising and producing devices to support material development research worldwide. Associate Professor Stephen Beirne, Associate Director at TRICEP, said the team was thrilled to have access to this exciting new technology.
“The CeraFab 3D printer provides us with access to new families of materials with properties and printing characteristics that greatly expand our service and research capabilities,” said Beirne. “The system will be immediately put to use in the development of next generation biofabrication hardware and implantable structures.”