Researchers at Columbia University have invented a digital "wood" using 3D-printing technology to replicate the material's external and internal structure. They believe the technique could be applied to other anisotropic materials, which are especially difficult to replicate due to their complicated material distribution.
To begin, the researchers used destructive tomographic imaging to capture extremely-thin slices of olive wood cut by a CNC. In total, 230 images were taken and sent to a Stratasys J750 PolyJet printer, which is capable of printing objects using voxels. Engineers were then able to print a resin block mimicking the unique grain pattern of olive wood.
In the study's abstract, the authors note the technique's success, observing that "the final printed object closely resembles the original wooden block both in its external appearance and in its internal color pattern, as confirmed when the block is cut or broken." They hope the process will be employed in the digital replication of objects with complex internal patterns that have thus far been impossible to manufacture.
5 Comments
Yeah, that's what the world needs, more resin...if only they found a way to 3D-print resin using actual wood, that'd be great.
Brilliant.
Not only did they reinvented plastic wood, they did it with a a slow and expensive manufacturing process that has no economy of scale.
gotta be prepared for nuclear winter. real wood may soon be scarce
i've got digital wood myself
you came all the way to this old article to post that? your dedication to let us know you've got wood is admirable, enjoy!
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