One of the most exciting aspects of the world of technology is how one innovation builds atop one another. From basic computers, we moved to more complex operating systems and touchscreen technology—and for cell phones, too, as they graduated into smartphones. From the first basic SLA 3D printer brought forth by Chuck Hull in the 80s, we have moved forward to a staggering array of hardware, software, and materials that are available to users around the globe.
Now these technologies come together as a research team at the University of Bristol offers a new way to advance the modern touchscreen with 3D printing. While many of us may have gotten used to the same old style of dealing with interactive computer displays (not forgetting how exciting such advancements were when first rolled out!) due to rote daily exercise, the researchers from Bristol decided to push the limits of mediocrity with 3D touchscreens.
Using a novel interactive display that is actually sprayed onto 3D-printed parts (think of how graffiti artists perform their work), the team has introduced ProtoSpray, in collaboration with the MIT media lab. Dr. Anne Roudaut, Associate Professor in Human-Computer Interaction at the University of Bristol, who supervised the research, expects that they will continue with this project in designing a machine that offers an all-in-one production technique for 3D printing and spraying.
“We have liberated displays from their 2D rectangular casings by developing a process so people can build interactive objects of any shape. The process is very accessible: it allows end-users to create objects with conductive plastic and electroluminescent paint even if they don’t have expertise in these materials,” said Ollie Hanton, PhD student and lead author of the research, recently presented at the ACM Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems (CHI).
Encouraging users to expand their horizons in using digital technology, Hanton and his team expect ProtoSpray to appeal to other makers, hobbyists, and researchers who are interested in more dynamic interaction with shapes, whether they are flat, curved, angular, or of more complex geometries.
[Source / Images: ScienceDaily; screenshots from ProtoSpray YouTube video]“3D printers have enabled personal fabrication of objects but our work takes this even further to where we print not only plastic but also other materials that are essential for creating displays. Using 3D printing of plastics and spraying of materials that light up when electricity is applied, we can support makers to produce objects of all shapes that can display information and detect touch,” said Hanton. “Our vision is to make screen/display a fundamental expressive medium in the same way people currently use ink, paint, or clay,.”
Subscribe to Our Email Newsletter
Stay up-to-date on all the latest news from the 3D printing industry and receive information and offers from third party vendors.
You May Also Like
Louisville Slugger Knocks it out of the Park Designing Bats with Formlabs 3D Printers
In 2022, historical bat brand Louisville Slugger revealed a new strategy to optimize its product, combining digital simulation for the design process and 3D motion capture technology for comprehensive baseball...
3D Printing News Briefs, March 22, 2023: Carbon Sequestration, 3D Printed Bird Drones, & More
In 3D Printing News Briefs today, Meltio is expanding its worldwide partner network, and 3D Systems introduced its VSP Connect portal. Oregon State University and Sandia National Laboratories received a...
3D Printing News Briefs, March 18, 2022: Amphibian Aerospace, Olympics, & More
Multistation signed a distribution agreement with BigRep, and JPB Système reports a major milestone, while Nupress will deliver amphibian aerospace applications with SPEE3D technology. HP introduced its new Single Cell...
3D Printing News Briefs, March 15, 2023: Software, Carbon Fiber Bikes, & More
In today’s 3D Printing News Briefs, Velo3D has released the latest version of its Flow software, and Horizon is opening up more micro additive manufacturing applications with a coating that...
Print Services
Upload your 3D Models and get them printed quickly and efficiently.