3D Bioprinter

Context

Tasked with designing a simple yet innovative Bio-printer around common weaknesses found in commercial designs while maximizing profit per customer need and minimizing complexity per system. The design was to be modeled and tested using common engineering software (SolidWorks & Abaqus) and ultimately presented to a panel of professors and representatives from our industry sponsors.

Final Product

The product is divided into 4 subassemblies: cell delivery, cell delivery support, linear motion, and framework mount. The main component of the system (right) is designed to be mounted onto a Nikon Eclipse Ti confocal microscope while the cell delivery assembly and motors (left) are mounted externally. Each customer need was assigned to a subassembly and used as a driving parameter in the design process.

Assemblies

Cell Delivery

Two syringes mounted to pumps consisting of ball screw stepper sliders with custom 3D printed nylon mounts. These syringes are connected to the cell delivery support through Tygon tubing.

Cell Delivery Support

Two linear solenoids allow the user to actuate each of the two deposition tips independently. A custom nylon mounting bracket connects the solenoids and deposition tips to the linear motion system.

Linear Motion

System of ball screws connected through custom 3D printed parts and ball bearing mounts. This system moves the cell delivery support through the print area and is entirely mounted on the framework mount.

Framework Mount

3D printed nylon part designed to be mounted and secured onto the microscope’s turret and support the linear motion system. Includes T-slots for ease of assembly/disassembly of the rest of the printer.

Design Specs

Cell Delivery

  • Printable feature size of 184 µm

  • Flow Rate of 0.109 µL/s

  • Motors with Smoothieboard 5x

  • Needles and syringes are both replaceable or sterilizable

Cell Delivery Support

  • Total weight of 50 grams

  • All components are sterilizable

  • Supports the movement of extruder across the print area

  • Allows fine-tuning of z-axis needle position

Linear Motion

  • Linear accuracy of 5 µm

  • NEMA 23 stepper motors controlled with Smoothieboard 5x

  • 20 mm travel distance in x and y axes, 10 mm on z-axis

  • Components are sterilizable and debris generated is negligible

Framework Mount

  • Mount diameter of about 46 mm

  • Sterilizable through common laboratory methods

  • T-slots on sides and bottom for assembly of other systems

  • Allows the main assembly to meet size restriction of 100 mm3

3D Models

Results

Presented product to a panel of professors and representatives from Cummins and Northrop Grumman. It was determined that every customer need was met and overall cost would allow more than enough profit to make production desirable. Our team scored second highest among the 17 teams in contention.