A New Robotic Spray Technology for Generative Manufacturing of Complex Concrete Structures Without Formwork

The robot-assisted manufacturing is introduced for many years in automated production areas, while the production of buildings still follows the traditional manual process. Using new possibilities of digital planning the construction industry demonstrated potential for the implementation of freeform architectures, which are only possible using expensive and only once usable formwork structures. This paper focuses on sprayed concrete technology for automated production processes to build up freeform concrete components. A study case of the production of a concrete wall by an industrial robot, equipped with a concrete spraying tool is presented in order to investigate the possibilities and tolerancing issues of this technique

A new paper-based platform technology for point-of-care diagnostics

Currently, the Lateral flow Immunoassays (LFIAs) are not able to perform complex multi-step immunodetection tests because of their inability to introduce multiple reagents in a controlled manner to the detection area autonomously. In this research, a point-of-care (POC) paper-based lateral flow immunosensor was developed incorporating a novel microfluidic valve technology. Layers of paper and tape were used to create a three-dimensional structure to form the fluidic network. Unlike the existing LFIAs, multiple directional valves are embedded in the test strip layers to control the order and the timing of mixing for the sample and multiple reagents. In this paper, we report a four-valve device which autonomously directs three different fluids to flow sequentially over the detection area. As proof of concept, a three-step alkaline phosphatase based Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay (ELISA) protocol with Rabbit IgG as the model analyte was conducted to prove the suitability of the device for immunoassays. The detection limit of about 4.8 fm was obtained

Partial Additive Manufacturing: Experiments and Prospects with Regard to Large Series Production

AbstractAdditive manufacturing meets the demand for highly customized and flexible production. However, the physical limitation of the material application rate causes that large volume production of such workpieces is not attractive yet. In order to push additive manufacturing towards large volume production, the impact of this limitation has to be minimized while the advantages have to be maintained. For this purpose, it is proposed in this article to combine partial additive manufacturing with other production technologies. In such a production concept, standardized base workpieces are made in large volume production first and then finalized by additive manufacturing. The finalization step adds the variant specific key features to the workpiece. This proposal is detailed by discussing the suitability of specific workpieces and outlines of the processing route. An experimental feasibility study of this principle is reported, where Fused Deposition Modeling is used to add geometric features to a base workpiece. This case study includes the development of a robot-based setup for the deposition of material with 6 degrees of freedom. This case study is used to illustrate and discuss the fundamental aspects of the conjunction of additive manufacturing with other production processes