Current and Future Applications of 3D Printing Using Custom-Made Materials

The use of 3D printers has increased exponentially from its inception in the 1980s. Recently, the ability to design and create detailed objects has drawn the attention of many who wish to capitalize on this highly customizable process. With much of the focus in this industry being placed on finding new printable materials, many are overlooking the possibility of modifying existing materials. The aim of our research was to modify the materials already being used by 3D printers to alter their properties and explore future possible applications. We examined the addition of graphene powder, carbon microfibers, and other nanoparticles to these materials. Graphene was chosen because of its versatility, which we hypothesized would improve the mechanical strength of existing silicone and plastic materials. The nanoparticles were added to the silicone to explore possibilities of drug delivery. Additional research was conducted regarding the current research and future applications of 3D printing and the associated technology