3M BIC’s Top Innovations for 2022

Across 2022 the technology sector has seen a number of adaptations and developments. We asked our Innovation and Technology team for their top innovations from this year and here is what they found:

1. ARC VECTOR ELECTRIC BIKE

In collaboration with former British Superbike Championship runner up and MotoGP rider James Ellison, Arc Vehicles CEO Mark Truman has perfected the world’s first fully electric neo-café racer. Inspired by café racers and electronic violins, the Arc Vector is promising a unique experience for Motorcycle enthusiasts who are looking for a high-end all- electric drive.

Dream machine: The all-electric Arc Vector motorcycle – DEVELOP3D

2. 3D PRINTING IN HOSPITALS

3D printing anatomical parts is allowing surgeons to perfect their analysis of each patient’s case and consider different surgical practices, saving operating time, developing personalised surgeries and low impact on costs for manufacturing. Orthopaedics, ophthalmology, dentistry and traumatology are just a few of the sectors that are embracing 3D printing technology.

The Integration of 3D Printing in Hospitals – 3Dnatives

3. ELECTRICITY- FREE 3D PRINTED HUMIDIFIER

In the midst of an energy and environmental crisis, graduate Jiaming Liu from Folkwang University of the Arts in Essen, Germany has created an environmentally and low-cost print clay humidifier, capable of operating while consuming no energy, using an FDM Clay printer with specifically recycled ceramic powder.

The 3D Printed Humidifier That Uses No Electricity – 3Dnatives

4. 3D PRINTED CORAL REEFS

Coral reefs are under relentless harm from a myriad of global and local issues, from climate change, declining water quality and pollution. In 2019 a team from Bournemouth University installed a 3D printed reef block in Poole Bay, providing habitats for endangered marine life. Find out how it looked four months on!

https://www.bournemouth.ac.uk/research/research-action/revisiting-3d-printed-artificial-reef

5. THE FUTURE IS NOT PLASTIC, IT’S SEAWEED

Plastic waste and consumption have hit record levels in recent years, with less than 10% of plastics ever produced being recycled. London-based start-up Notpla, have innovated an alternative to plastic made from seaweed and plants, that is totally natural and biodegradable and is currently being used for food packaging and in the cosmetic and fashion industries.

https://earthshotprize.org/winners-finalists/notpla/

6. US NAVY INSTALLS 3D METAL PRINTER ON DEPLOY SHIPS

In order to support readiness and self-sufficiency, the US Naval operations have introduced additive manufacturing, installing the first 3D metal printer on the USS Bataan naval ship. The new 3D metal printed allows sailors to print industrial-level manufacturing parts while out at sea helping to reduce procurement costs and supply chain lead times.

https://www-3dprintingmedia-network.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/www.3dprintingmedia.network/us-navy-installs-first-metal-3d-printer-onboard-uss-bataan/amp/

7. 3D PRINTED CEILING

3D printing is constantly being introduced to different sectors and has now gained a permanent place in the world of architecture. One example is ETH Zurich that has designed a more energy efficient ceiling produced using 3D printing, called HiRes Concrete Slab. It uses 70% less material compared to traditional methods.

https://www.3dnatives.com/en/eth-zurich-3d-printed-concrete-ceiling-210620224/

8. LEGO 3D PRINTING TOYS

Global toy manufacturer LEGO is now delving into the world of 3D printing. It recently unveiled its 3D printed duck toy as a pilot to test the appeal of additive manufacturing with their target consumers. It’s being sold for a limited time in the LEGO store in Denmark.

https://www.3dnatives.com/en/lego-3d-printed-duck-07112022/

9. 3D PRINTING DRONES

With 3D printing gaining momentum in the construction industry, Imperial College, London and Empa researchers have created ‘bee- inspired’ drone 3D printers for building and repairing strictures in-flight. The drones could be used in difficult-to-access or dangerous locations such as tall buildings or help with post-disaster relief construction.

https://www.imperial.ac.uk/news/239973/3d-printing-drones-work-like-bees/

10. 3D BIO – PRINTED LAB-GROWN TIMBER

Researchers are beginning to demonstrate the ability to control the properties of artificial wood, such as its stiffness and density. Adjusting chemicals used in the growth process and using 3D bioprinting techniques they can manipulate grown plant material into different shapes, sizes and forms, enabling the production of customisable wood products with little waste.

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/mutlay_forestproducts-wood-materials-activity-6961597374943117312-DHlt?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktopnext