The authors thank Sungwon Lim for intellectual contributions to device and mold design as well as Jambu Jambulingam and Rebecca Grossman-Kahn for creating intravaginal silicone probes using this process. This work is supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the Vodafone Americas Foundation, and the FDA (2P50FD003793).

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没有一个作家有关于这篇文章中详述的工作的任何竞争经济利益。

所有上述步骤，仔细模具设计是最关键的成功之路。模具主机应该被创建为一个实心体与外部几何形状应使其在最终的设备。这些几何形状应调整，以考虑任何材料收缩率，由于所选择的弹性体以及3D打印机的分辨率和公差。模具分型线和通孔的螺纹杆和螺钉的位置是依赖于彼此。加的分型线增加线性和旋转度模装置自由的编号。贯通孔和螺纹杆和螺丝作用来限制这些相同自由度。模具必须被设计成使得它限制了所有线性和旋转自由度当完全组装时，同时使除去约束螺纹杆和螺钉被移除时完全固化的弹性体装置。如果该固化的弹性体是合理的弹性变形，分型线可以被定义，例如吨帽子的功能悬彼此略有因为完全固化装置可以推或拉出来的模件。如果包覆模制部件是理想的，模具的设计还必须提供定位功能，在一个完全组装模具约束包覆成型的部件的运动。模具的分型线应仔细选择，以尽量减少模具件所必需的，以产生所希望的弹性体装置的数量。最小化的模片和分型线的数量减少为闪光形成的可能性和减少数量的通孔所需的模具组件在压缩模件。根据我们的经验，一个ABS模具持续约20采用ABS塑料穿出来之前，裂纹，银纹或因挤压应力和加热循环。 一旦模件都使用FDM三维打印机被打印，若干修改，可向模件。在某些情况下，模具件由FDM 3D打印机制作可能有INSUFFICIEnt的分辨率的分型线，以产生完全齐平的表面，从而导致一个小的间隙，从而导致闪光形成以及液体弹性体的泄漏。如果发生这种情况，使用一个薄层RTV硅中的组装模具的分型线可以防止液体弹性体的泄漏通过在模具的分型线。另外，表面平滑可以通过添加额外的材料模片（尺寸过他们），打磨到最终尺寸或治疗的ABS用丙酮，逐渐溶解的塑料来完成。这些方法可以仔细用来微调模具的几何形状在离别的边缘，以减少闪光灯的形成。然而，我们必须溶解模具表面时要小心，因为这样做会降低化学塑料的强度，使其更容易开裂和裂纹。这可以减少模具的寿命，并且还影响模具之间的表面几何形状的一致性。此外，它是难以控制uniformitŸ模具解散，这可能会导致在模具的几何形状稍有变化。这可能会成为一个问题，如果多套模具被用于制造设备。要解决这个问题，高解析度的3D印刷技术，可用于模具生产。利用较高分辨率的模具或丙酮处理过的模具的另一个好处是增加的容易脱模过程中分离从ABS成型机的弹性体装置。可替换地，脱模剂可用于涂覆模腔以帮助脱模。然而，对于所述阴道探针在这个程序演示，脱模剂是特别是由于引入模具释放化学物质进入阴道环境的潜在风险避免。也应注意，以确保所选的模具材料不抑制该弹性体的固化。 在包覆成型部件中的硅氧烷弹性体，如用于阴道内探针1的一个挑战是，附着有机硅和金属是出了名的困难。对于阴道探头的要求之一是允许在材料界面小的差距，如果发生在硅弹性变形。这反映出，以允许在阴道内探针的杯状结构弯曲和伸展像周围的子宫颈的套筒，同时还确保金属和设备的硅氧烷部分之间的水密性的欲望。水密性是必要的，因为清洗设备中的过氧化氢等离子体灭菌人体实验的指导方针。这个要求是通过仔细地施加医用级聚硅氧烷与金属粘结底层与硅氧烷装置主体和金属部件之间的连接处，然后施加室温固化（RTV）的硅的金属 - 弹性体结脱模装置之后得到满足。用来提高金属与硅之间的附着力另外一个方法是设计所有嵌入金属部件与圆形散热。注射后，散热片之间的空间是科幻LLED用液体硅胶，然后在固化过程中固化。这种设计特性允许应力从硅体转移到金属部件，同时减少对金属和硅之间的间隙形成的倾向。 虽然有与使用ABS基频分复用3D打印机 - 即快速的打印速度，成本低，且使用该技术的这些优势，必须仔细地相对于取舍是衡量合同印刷服务大量的相关的许多优点进行。 ABS为基础的3D打印机实现了快速原型和迭代开发方法，而ABS本身是适合成型许多弹性体，因为它通常是化学惰性的14,15。然而，ABS树脂具有的热变形温度约为90-100℃，从而限制了最大工作温度在约70℃16。这意味着更高的固化温度不能使用ABS的模具实现的。一SA的结果，用于阴道内探针的弹性体的固化时间从3分钟增加到175℃至5小时，在70℃下如果需要更高的固化温度下是理想的，可以考虑采用其他的FDM的材料，如聚碳酸酯。使用基于SLA的3D打印使最优秀的模具分辨率可能，并提供了多种选择的树脂材料。然而，在FDM技术的不断进步正在缩小这两种技术之间的分辨率差距。而在建立所述阴道探针中使用的基于FDM的模具有254微米的层的分辨率，更新FDM机可以实现100微米的分辨率和下方。基于SLA的3D打印通常是更昂贵，更密集的时间比基于FDM的3D打印，并在内部要少得多设施具备的SLA设备。这些因素使频分复用3D打印机更适合用在低成本快速迭代开发。事实上，SLA通常是由用于聚氨酯设备的原型开发和小批量运行打印一个模具师傅和铸造模具硅胶周围的模具师傅打造模具聚氨酯注入。使用硅胶作为模具材料的好处是，它是一种热固性聚合物和不会熔化在较高的固化温度。但是，它是困难的或不可能的有机硅模具划分成许多块，以产生复杂的模具，如阴道内探针装置;此外，线路走向为包覆成型可能是同样具有挑战性。其结果是，用这种方法生产的硅树脂模具通常是两件式模具和需要传统LIM设备用于注射聚合物注入模腔。因此，尽管这种方法并不像传统的LIM注射昂贵，原型使用这种方法的总成本仍然是相当昂贵和更密集的时间比所描述的协议使用FDM的3D打印机和弹性体注塑修改后的干燥器。所提出的方法的其他好处包括能够直接运行的能力Y打印件模具没有先创建一个物理模具师傅，还有一个事实，即这种技术不需要投资昂贵的SLA或LIM设备。 该方法使复杂的几何形状和要求，这是如医疗设备领域的一个标志弹性体装置的快速成型。标准或文件的方法来快速迭代弹性体设备的缺乏已导致缓慢​​和医疗器械的昂贵的开发。在这个手稿中描述的方法所固有的灵活性允许在几乎任何几何形状被构建并要满足包覆成型的要求。它可用于快速，廉价地迭代器原型在医疗器械开发过程的早期。这是在资源有限的环境中，如学术实验室或启动环境中的3D打印机是越来越普遍，但LIM设备是罕见特别有用。此外，CAD模型，在这个公关产生的ocess可转移到将来的制造工艺，并且可以被用于促进生产用于LIM传统的金属模具。虽然这项技术被证明为医疗设备开发与阴道探头装置，该协议可以很容易地适用于其他领域和应用中，低成本，小批量，以及弹性体为基础的装置快速迭代开发是理想的。

液体注射成型（LIM）（也称为反应注射成型）经常被用来制造从热固性弹性体的弹性装置，但高工装和设备成本需要大量的前期资本投资1。此外，LIM可以在技术上具有挑战性的和昂贵的实现与复杂的几何形状和包覆成型要求的情况。其结果是，它通常是不切实际的，使用传统的LIM在超低量或与早期设备的设计，往往招致迭代修改。 典型的流程型注塑弹性体材料包括注射液单体在大约150磅的压力注入模具使用专门的成型机械2。的温度和压力进行控制，以确保层流，并防止空气被截留在模具3。原料通常是由两部分组成的硫化体系，如铂固化有机硅，叔帽子是在注射之前保存在单独的温度和控制室。原材料的两个组件被泵入高压混合室，其随后送入模腔。固化是通过在催化剂的存在下以及温度约150-200℃4来实现。模具加工通常由钢或铝，公差精确到周围建立离别边缘3,5良好的密封。不幸的是，这个过程一般比较适合于较大规模的生产给予了高度的模具加工成本以及专门的注入和反馈控制系统的要求。 对于聚氨酯（PU）份的快速原型设计，它有可能使用立体光刻（SLA）来创建一个主模和生产硅橡胶模具6,7。然而，这种技术不适合于包覆成型，因为它是难以实现的包覆成型的部件的精确对准，因为硅酮是，由设计，而不是一个刚性结构。此外，生产具有复杂几何形状，如内陷或挖空部分的设备，是困难或不可能。对于复杂或精密模具分型线和刚性薄元素的要求是，往往不是，用液体橡胶成型工艺不兼容。 上述生产规模或后期成型过程往往是不切实际的早期医疗设备开发一些设备需要制作了验证性的概念和可行性在人类研究中，这是常有的情况下，在学术实验室和初创公司的环境。替代品的缺乏常常意味着即使是早期发展会产生高昂的成本，需要许多设备开发，限制设备的功能或将开发搁置，而额外的资金募集。这有助于在开发过程中，因为医疗设备重新很大一部分急剧减速<html> QUIRE实现复杂的功能。这也是困难的，因为概念证明型的数据往往是尚未建立，以应付该等设备的昂贵的开发。我们在本实验中最近的一个项目，涉及硅阴道探头的发展，模制电和光学传感器，需要一个杯状尖，以符合指定的宫颈几何遇到了这个障碍。在这篇文章中描述的过程记录我们试图规避这种恶性循环，并迅速达到证明型概念LIM医疗设备。 在图1中所示的技术解构LIM过程分成5个主要的活动:（1）模具的设计和生产，（2）模具组件（3）弹性体混合，（4）弹性体注射剂，和（5）弹性体的固化和脱模。 PG"宽度="600"/&gt; （1A）创建模具使用计算机辅助设计工具，（1B）的3D打印模件，（2）组装使用螺纹杆和螺丝模件，（:。协议，其中涉及图1协议概述概述3）混合液态弹性体和装入注射器中，（4）注入液体弹性体进入模具用改进的干燥器，（5a）中固化所述弹性体在温度可控的烤箱，和（5b）从脱模固化的弹性体装置模件。 模具设计涉及到计算机辅助设计（CAD）软件，从模具分型线的固体块和定义的模具师傅的减法开发一个模具师傅的。模件被创建，然后组装用螺钉，杆，和锁紧螺母定位在模腔中包覆成型的部件。弹性体混入克包括部分相结合的原料和脱气和B以消除潜在的空隙的材料。接着，弹性体注射涉及模腔的压力驱动的填充，随后弹性体固化的温度控制烘箱中，以确保该聚合物链的化学交联。 打破注塑过程分为以下步骤使我们能够放弃传统的LIM设备支持的低成本替代品。例如，而不是机加工的金属模或铸件从模具主人的硅橡胶模具，从在这个手稿中描述的协议建立的模具是从丙烯腈 - 丁二烯 - 苯乙烯（ABS），使用熔融沉积成型（FDM），三维创建塑料打印机8,9。相较于建筑金属模具或模具的SLA，FDM通常是一个更便宜和更快的过程。相当复杂的模具可迅速被印刷在一个内部的三维打印机，或由许多合同三维内印刷的一个廉价地生产提供3G业务。例如，一个复杂的八件3D印刷模具用于铸造的证明阴道探头在有代表性的结果部分， 如图14和图15所示。所有部件该模具可以打印在大约1.5天一个内部的三维打印机。周转时间为更简单的模具可以是几个小时。必要的时候以原形使用FDM的3D打印机打造模具设备的总长度是类似投出的模具硅橡胶，并创建一个聚氨酯原型所需的时间。然而，使用FDM三维打印机创建模具使得不能容易地使用有机硅模具完成几件事情:（1）许多热固性弹性体可用于所提供的三维印刷模具可以容忍所需的固化温度，（2）复杂的几何形状可以使用许多不同的模件和分型线被创建，以及（3）使用刚性模件允许精确和reproduci在模腔中的OM组件竹叶提取对齐。 而不是使用传统的LIM机，它结合了混合，注射，和固化的，有可能用一个实验室混合器，以确保均匀混合，注射用的改性干燥器，和一个标准的温度控制烘箱中进行固化。注射系统使用现成的搁板组件创建并涉及增加了一个正压力供给线到连接到填充有混合的弹性体的注射器从干燥器中。在台式干燥器室加压通常是由腔室中，真空供给线路，和大气之间的三通阀控制。修改后的干燥器以及正压供给线输送到注射器柱塞的背面。这使得能够创建一个40-50 psi的压力差足以用于液体材料注射到模腔中。 这种技术允许我们机生产线CE硅胶阴道探头，模制电和光学传感器来收集证明了概念数据的I期临床试验。硅酮被选中是因为需要对生物惰性以及消毒用多种方法10,11的能力。此外，该装置需要复杂的和非传统的杯形几何的探针，其中传感器位于与子宫颈的接口的前端。在不使用所描述的技术的，这将是一个更加昂贵和漫长的过程，以产生这些设备。相比于传统的LIM过程，使得它的实际采取快速和迭代方法来设计的弹性装置的LIM过程的这种适应降低了成本和设备的需求。

<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="1434">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>ABS Model Material</td>
			<td>Stratasys</td>
			<td>P430</td>
			<td>Model Material for uPrint Plus SE (Step: Mold Design &#38; Production)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Soluble Support Material</td>
			<td>Stratasys</td>
			<td>SR-30</td>
			<td>Support Material for uPrint Plus SE (Step: Mold Design &#38; Production)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Underwater Silicone Sealant, 2.8 Oz Tube, Clear</td>
			<td>McMaster-Carr Supply Company</td>
			<td>7327A21</td>
			<td>Silicone RTV for sealing gaps at mold parting lines (Step: Mold Assembly)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Tubing, 1/8&#34; ID, 1/4&#34; OD, 1/16&#34; Wall Thickness, Ultra-chemical-resistant Tygon PVC, Clear</td>
			<td>McMaster-Carr Supply Company</td>
			<td>5046K11</td>
			<td>Forms runner/sprue adapter between mold and syringe with elastomer (Step: Elastomer Mixing)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Coupling, Adapter, Straight, Male Quick-turn (Luer lock) X 1/8&#34; Tube Barb, Nylon</td>
			<td>McMaster-Carr Supply Company</td>
			<td>51525K123</td>
			<td>Connect runner/sprue between mold and syringe with elastomer (Step: Elastomer Mixing)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Coupling, Adapter, Staight, Female Quick-turn (Luer lock) X 1/8&#34; Tube Barb, Nylon</td>
			<td>McMaster-Carr Supply Company</td>
			<td>51525K213</td>
			<td>Connect runner/sprue between mold and syringe with elastomer (Step: Elastomer Mixing)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Cap, Female Quick-turn (Luer lock), Nylon</td>
			<td>McMaster-Carr Supply Company</td>
			<td>51525K315</td>
			<td>Cap to prevent silicone from leaking out of mold after injection (Step: Elastomer Mixing)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Liquid Silicone Rubber (LSR) 30 - 10:1, Implant Grade</td>
			<td>Applied Silicone Corporation</td>
			<td>PN40029</td>
			<td>Substitute with the elastomer of your choice.&#160; This is the one used for the intravaginal probe (Step: Elastomer Mixing)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Syringes (BD), 1mL Slip-Tip, non-sterile clean, bulk</td>
			<td>Cole-Parmer</td>
			<td>WU-07945-00</td>
			<td>Syringes for transfering elastomer material (Step: Elastomer Mixing)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Syringes (BD), 1mL Slip-Tip, non-sterile clean, bulk</td>
			<td>Cole-Parmer</td>
			<td>WU-07945-04</td>
			<td>Syringes for transfering elastomer material (Step: Elastomer Mixing)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Syringe, 20mL, Open Bore, Solid Ring Plunger and Grip</td>
			<td>Qosina Corporation</td>
			<td>C1200</td>
			<td>Syringes for transfering elastomer material.&#160; Open bore is used for very viscous elastomers. (Step: Elastomer Mixing)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Needle (BD), Non-sterile Clean with Shields, 18 gauge X 1.5&#34; Lg., Stainless Steel, BD Bulk&#160;</td>
			<td>Cole-Parmer</td>
			<td>WU-07945-76</td>
			<td>Used for removing air column between syringe plunger and elastomer (Step: Elastomer Mixing)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Plastic Cups, 12 Oz., Clear</td>
			<td>Safeway</td>
			<td>N/A</td>
			<td>Used for mixing silicone in THINKY Mixer (Step: Elastomer Mixing)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Polyethylene Bag, Open-Top, Flat, 5&#34; Width X 6&#34; Height, 2-MIL Thk.</td>
			<td>McMaster-Carr Supply Company</td>
			<td>1928T68</td>
			<td>Used for mixing silicone in THINKY Mixer (Step: Elastomer Mixing)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Rubber Band, Latex Free, Orange, Size 64, 3-1/2&#34; L X 1/4&#34; W</td>
			<td>McMaster-Carr Supply Company</td>
			<td>12205T96</td>
			<td>Used for mixing silicone in THINKY Mixer (Step: Elastomer Mixing)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Parafilm Wrap, 4&#34;W</td>
			<td>Cole-Parmer</td>
			<td>EW-06720-40</td>
			<td>Used for mixing silicone in THINKY Mixer (Step: Elastomer Mixing)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Syringe Barrels with Stoppers, Luer Lock, Air Operated,&#160; 50mL</td>
			<td>EWD Solutions</td>
			<td>JEN-JG50A-15</td>
			<td>Smaller syringes can be used if less elastomer is required, but make sure it is compatible with Air Operated Syringe Adapter in injection chamber (Step: Elastomer Mixing)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Sealant Tape, Pipe Thread, 50&#39;Lg X 1/4&#34; W, .0028&#34; Thk, 0.5 G/CC Specific Gravity&#160;</td>
			<td>McMaster-Carr Supply Company</td>
			<td>4591K11</td>
			<td>Teflon Tape for air-tight seals around at threads (Step: Elastomer Injection)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Scalpel Blades, Disposable, No. 22</td>
			<td>VWR</td>
			<td>21909-646</td>
			<td>Used for cutting tubing and demolding (Step: Curing &#38; Demolding)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Kimwipes</td>
			<td>VWR</td>
			<td>21903-005</td>
			<td>&#160;(Step: Curing &#38; Demolding)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>2-Propanol, J. T. Baker</td>
			<td>VWR</td>
			<td>JT9334-3</td>
			<td>&#160;(Step: Curing &#38; Demolding)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>uPrint Plus SE 3D Printer</td>
			<td>Stratasys</td>
			<td>uPrint Plus SE</td>
			<td>Other 3D printers can be used (Step: Mold Design &#38; Production)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Screw, Cap, Hex Head,&#160; 1/4&#34;-28 , 2-1/2&#34; Lg, 18-8 Stainless Steel</td>
			<td>McMaster-Carr Supply Company</td>
			<td>92198A115</td>
			<td>Screws used with nuts to compress mold (Step: Mold Assembly)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Nut, Hex, 1/4&#34;-28, 7/16&#34; Wd, 7/32&#34; Height, 18-8 Stainless Steel&#160;</td>
			<td>McMaster-Carr Supply Company</td>
			<td>91845A105</td>
			<td>Screws used with nuts to compress mold (Step: Mold Assembly)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Stud, Fully Threaded, 1/4&#34;-28, 1&#34; Lg, 18-8 Stainless Steel&#160;</td>
			<td>McMaster-Carr Supply Company</td>
			<td>95412A567</td>
			<td>Threaded-rods can be cut to desired length and are used with nutes to compress mold (Step: Mold Assembly)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Planetary Centrifugal Mixer</td>
			<td>THINKY USA Inc.</td>
			<td>ARE-310</td>
			<td>Mixers are strongly recommended for fine mixing and to reduce degassing time, but hand mixing is fine (Step: Elastomer Mixing)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Laboratory Weigh Scale</td>
			<td>Mettler-Toledo International Inc.</td>
			<td>EL602</td>
			<td>&#160;(Step: Elastomer Mixing)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Desiccant Vacuum Canister, Reusable,&#160; 10-3/4&#34; OD</td>
			<td>McMaster-Carr Supply Company</td>
			<td>2204K7</td>
			<td>This desiccator is used for degassing the elastomer (Step: Elastomer Mixing)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Custom 3D-Printed Mixer-to-Cup Adapter</td>
			<td>N/A</td>
			<td>N/A</td>
			<td>Modeled in Solidworks CAD and 3D printed (Step: Elastomer Mixing)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Tubing, Smooth Bore, 1/4&#34; ID, 1/2&#34; OD, 1/8&#34; Wall Thickness, High Purity Tygon PVC, Clear</td>
			<td>McMaster-Carr Supply Company</td>
			<td>5624K51</td>
			<td>Tubing outside of Desiccator (Step: Elastomer Injection)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Tubing, Smooth Bore, 3/8&#34; ID, 5/8&#34; OD, 1/8&#34; Wall Thickness, High Purity Tygon PVC, Clear</td>
			<td>McMaster-Carr Supply Company</td>
			<td>5624K52</td>
			<td>Tubing to adapt to Air/Vacuum Supply (Step: Elastomer Injection)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Coupling, Reducer, Straight, Vacuum Barb 3/8&#34; Tube ID X Vacuum Barb 1/4&#34; Tube ID, Brass</td>
			<td>McMaster-Carr Supply Company</td>
			<td>44555K188</td>
			<td>Adapt Tubing outside Desiccator to Tubing leading to Air/Vacuum Supply (Step: Elastomer Injection)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Clamp, Hose &#38; Tube, Worm-Drive, for 7/32&#34; to 5/8&#34; OD tube, 5/16&#34; Wd., 316 SS</td>
			<td>McMaster-Carr Supply Company</td>
			<td>5011T141</td>
			<td>Used on tubing to create Air/Vacuum-tight seal at junctions (Step: Elastomer Injection)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Clamp, Hose, Smooth-Band Worm-Drive, for 1/2&#34; to 3/4&#34; OD tube, 3/8&#34; Wd., 304 SS</td>
			<td>McMaster-Carr Supply Company</td>
			<td>5574K13</td>
			<td>Used on tubing to create Air/Vacuum-tight seal at junctions (Step: Elastomer Injection)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Coupling, Tee, Vacuum Barb 1/4&#34; Tube ID, Brass</td>
			<td>McMaster-Carr Supply Company</td>
			<td>44555K138</td>
			<td>Tee Junction between Vacuum, Three-way T-valve on Desiccator, and Three-way L-valve (Step: Elastomer Injection)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Coupling, Tee, 1/4 NPT Female X Female X Male, Brass</td>
			<td>McMaster-Carr Supply Company</td>
			<td>50785K222</td>
			<td>Tee Junction between Pressure Gauge, Chamber, and Three-way L-valve (Step: Elastomer Injection)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Valve, Ball, Straight, T-Handle, 1/4 NPT Female X Male, Brass</td>
			<td>McMaster-Carr Supply Company</td>
			<td>4082T42</td>
			<td>Three-way L-valve (Step: Elastomer Injection)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Coupling, Adapter, Straight, Vacuum Barb 1/4&#34; ID Tube X 1/4 NPT Male, Brass</td>
			<td>McMaster-Carr Supply Company</td>
			<td>44555K132</td>
			<td>Adapter for Three-way L-valve-to-Tubing (Step: Elastomer Injection)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Saw, Hole, Bimetal. 1-3/8&#34; OD, 1-1/2&#34; Cutting Depth</td>
			<td>McMaster-Carr Supply Company</td>
			<td>4066A25</td>
			<td>Used to cut holes in Desiccator for throughwall fittings (Step: Elastomer Injection)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Arbor, 9/16&#34; to 1-3/16&#34; Saw, 1/4&#34; Hex</td>
			<td>McMaster-Carr Supply Company</td>
			<td>4066A76</td>
			<td>Used to cut holes in Desiccator for throughwall fittings (Step: Elastomer Injection)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Arbor Adapter for 1-1/4&#34; Thru 6&#34; Dia Hole Saws</td>
			<td>McMaster-Carr Supply Company</td>
			<td>4066A77</td>
			<td>Used to cut holes in Desiccator for throughwall fittings (Step: Elastomer Injection)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Coupling, Straight, Through-Wall, 1/2 NPT Female, Polypropylene</td>
			<td>McMaster-Carr Supply Company</td>
			<td>36895K141</td>
			<td>Throughwall fittings leading to Pressure/Vacuum Gauges (Step: Elastomer Injection)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Coupling, Adapter, Straight, Reducing,&#160; Bushing, Hex, 1/2 NPT Male X 1/4 NPT Female, Brass</td>
			<td>McMaster-Carr Supply Company</td>
			<td>4429K422</td>
			<td>Reducing tube diameter inside the Desiccator to adapt to Air-operated Syringe System (Step: Elastomer Injection)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Coupling, Adapter, Straight, Reducing, Bushing, Hex, 1/4 NPT Male X 1/8 NPT Female, Brass</td>
			<td>McMaster-Carr Supply Company</td>
			<td>4757T91</td>
			<td>Reducing tube diameter inside the Desiccator to adapt to Air-operated Syringe System (Step: Elastomer Injection)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Coupling, Adapter, Straight, Vacuum Barb 1/4&#34; ID Tube X 1/8 NPT Female, Brass</td>
			<td>McMaster-Carr Supply Company</td>
			<td>44555K124</td>
			<td>Reducing tube diameter inside the Desiccator to adapt to Air-operated Syringe System (Step: Elastomer Injection)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Syringe Adapters, Air Operated, 30/50mL</td>
			<td>EWD Solutions</td>
			<td>JEN-JG30A-X6</td>
			<td>Air operated syringe adapter on the inside of the Desiccator; must be compatible with syringes used to hold elastomer (Step: Elastomer Injection)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Gauge, Dual-Scale Vacuum, 2-1/2&#34; Dial, 1/4 NPT Male, Bottom Connector, 30&#34; Hg-0, Steel Case</td>
			<td>McMaster-Carr Supply Company</td>
			<td>4002K11</td>
			<td>Vacuum Gauge (Step: Elastomer Injection)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Gauge, Dual-Scale Vacuum and Compound, 3-1/2&#34; Dial, 1/4 NPT Male, Center Back, 30&#34; Hg-0, 100 PSI, Steel Case</td>
			<td>McMaster-Carr Supply Company</td>
			<td>4004K616</td>
			<td>Pressure Gauge leading to Air-operated Syringe System (Step: Elastomer Injection)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Oven, Vacuum, Isotemp, Economy&#160;</td>
			<td>Fisher Scientific</td>
			<td>280A</td>
			<td>Standard non-vacuum oven can be used (Step: Curing &#38; Demolding)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Solidworks CAD</td>
			<td>Dassault Syst&#232;mes</td>
			<td>Solidworks Research Subscription</td>
			<td>Other CAD Software can be used for mold master and mold design (Step: Mold Design &#38; Production)</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

rapid and low-cost prototyping of medical devices using 3d printed molds for liquid injection molding

生物惰性的弹性体，如硅树脂是用于医疗装置的制造有利的材料，但形成和使用传统的液体注射成型工艺的固化这些弹性体可以是一个昂贵的过程中，由于模具和设备的成本。作为一个结果，它在传统上一直不切实际的使用液体注射成型的低成本，快速原型应用程序。我们已经发明了一种方法，用于快速和低成本的生产液态弹性体的注塑装置，它利用进行模具设计和修饰的干燥器作为注射系统熔融沉积建模三维打印机。成本低，在这种技术的快速周转时间降低门槛迭代设计和原型制作复杂的弹性体装置。此外，在这个过程中开发的CAD模型可以购买适合于金属模具的模具设计，从而实现了容易过渡到一个传统的注塑成型工艺。我们已经用这种技术制造intravagINAL探头涉及复杂的几何形状，以及包覆成型在金属部件，使用中的学术研究实验室常用的工具。然而，这种技术可以很容易地适应创建许多其他应用的液体注射成型设备。

在图14和15的模具和阴道探头演示本文中介绍的过程中有代表性的结果。 <img alt="图14" fo:content-width="5in" src="/files/ftp_upload/51745/51745fig14highres.jpg" width="500" /> 图14。完全组装模具。完全组装模具阴道探头装置。 <img alt="图15" fo:content-width="5in" src="/files/ftp_upload/51745/51745fig15highres.jpg" width="500" /> 该设备相同的设备。 二）侧视图的杯状尖如图15所示。阴道内探测设备。决赛阴道探头装置A）的前视图。杯状结构由六个包覆成型的钛电极，以及一个不锈钢管，作为一个有限元啤酒容器的光纤探头。 具体使用该设备的埃特马迪等 12,13描述。用于创建所述阴道探针的模具从ABS430材料使用的是尺寸uPrint加三维打印机制作。一个模具需要大约1卷ABS430材料售价为140美元卷轴的阴道探头。花了大约1.5天，打印所有八件模具。 医疗级双组分铂固化有机硅专为LIM应用（PN40029）用于此应用程序。包覆成型于主体硅氧烷是定制的不锈钢管中，修饰的USB电缆，一些电线，和钛电极，这是通过在模具中精心设计的对准和定位的几何形状保持就位硅酮注射过程。一管子在上所述阴道探针的杯形结构的基部被暴露并且具有在管行事的端部的玻璃窗作为一个插座为用于光学测量的光纤束。这是添加有机硅固化和使用过程中记录的脱模后的唯一外部特征。 根据所期望的几何形状，以及是否包覆成型时所需的特定结果可能不同。所述阴道探针表明创建复杂的几何形状，如一个薄的杯状结构是可能与FDM三维打印机，但更简单的几何形状可能会需要更少的模具件，少的模具材料，并且将更快到三维打印。利用较高分辨率3D印刷技术如SLA可能能够提供更高的分辨率，更精细的几何形状，和优良的表面光洁度可消除需要手动完成模具。使用所描述的技术中，许多不同的组件的包覆成​​型可以，只要模具的设计是经过精心实施完成。

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Rapid and Low-cost Prototyping of Medical Devices Using 3D Printed Molds for Liquid Injection Molding at JoVE.com

Rapid and Low-cost Prototyping of Medical Devices Using 3D Printed Molds for Liquid Injection Molding

我们已通过使用用于模具的设计和改进的干燥器熔融沉积建模三维打印机作为液体喷射系统设计了一种方法用于低成本和液态弹性体橡胶注射成型设备的快速原型。

医疗器械的使用3D印刷模具的液体注射成型快速，低成本原型

Biologically inert elastomers such as silicone are favorable materials for medical device fabrication, but forming and curing these elastomers using ...

rapid-low-cost-prototyping-medical-devices-using-3d-printed-molds-for

Nanyang Technological University

Research

JoVE Journal

Bioengineering

19.7K 次观看.  University of California, San Francisco. 我们已通过使用用于模具的设计和改进的干燥器熔融沉积建模三维打印机作为液体喷射系统设计了一种方法用于低成本和液态弹性体橡胶注射成型设备的快速原型。 

视频: Rapid and Low-cost Prototyping of Medical Devices Using 3D Printed Molds for Liquid Injection Molding

High Throughput Microfluidic Rapid and Low Cost Prototyping Packaging Methods

In this work, 3 different packaging and assembly techniques are presented. They can be classified into two categories: one-time use and reusable packaging techniques.
The one-time use packaging technique employs UV-based and temperature curing epoxies to connect microtubes to access holes, wire-bonding for integrated circuit connections, and silver epoxy for electrical connections. This method is based on a robust assembly technique that can support relatively high pressure close to 1 psi and does not need any support to strengthen the microfluidic architecture.
Reusable packaging techniques consist of PDMS-based microtube interconnectors and anisotropic adhesive films for electrical connections. These devices are more sensitive and fragile. Consequently, Plexiglas support is added to the microfluidic structure to improve the electrical contact when anisotropic adhesive films are used, and also to strengthen the microfluidic architecture. In addition, a micromanipulator is needed to maintain tubes while using a thin PDMS layer to connect them to the access holes. Different PDMS layer thicknesses, ranging from 0.45-3 mm, are tested to compare the best adherence versus injection rates. Applied injection rates are varied from 50-300 &#956;l/hr for 0.45-3 mm PDMS layers, respectively. These techniques are mainly applicable for low-pressure applications. However, they can be extended for high-pressure ones through plasma-oxygen process to permanently seal the PDMS to glass substrates. The main advantage of this technique, besides the fact that it is reusable, consists of keeping the device observable when the microchannel length is very short (in the range of 3 mm or lower).

In this article we describe different techniques for microfluidic rapid prototyping platforms. The proposed techniques are based on ultraviolet (UV) sensitive and temperature curing epoxies, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) based tubing, wire-bonding, and anisotropic adhesive films. The assembling procedures presented are developed for both one-time use devices as well as reusable microfluidic systems.

In this work, 3 different packaging and assembly techniques are presented. They can be classified into two categories: one-time use and reusable packaging ...

科研

生物工程

Using Adhesive Patterning to Construct 3D Paper Microfluidic Devices

We demonstrate the use of patterned aerosol adhesives to construct both planar and nonplanar 3D paper microfluidic devices. By spraying an aerosol adhesive through a metal stencil, the overall amount of adhesive used in assembling paper microfluidic devices can be significantly reduced. We show on a simple 4-layer planar paper microfluidic device that the optimal adhesive application technique and device construction style depends heavily on desired performance characteristics. By moderately increasing the overall area of a device, it is possible to dramatically decrease the wicking time and increase device success rates while also reducing the amount of adhesive required to keep the device together. Such adhesive application also causes the adhesive to form semi-permanent bonds instead of permanent bonds between paper layers, enabling single-use devices to be non-destructively disassembled after use. Nonplanar 3D origami devices also benefit from the semi-permanent bonds during folding, as it reduces the likelihood that unrelated faces may accidently stick together. Like planar devices, nonplanar structures see reduced wicking times with patterned adhesive application vs uniformly applied adhesive.

We demonstrate the use of patterned aerosol adhesives to construct 3D paper microfluidic devices. This method of adhesive application forms semi-permanent bonds between layers, enabling single-use devices to be non-destructively disassembled after use and to ease folding complex nonplanar structures.

使用粘性图案构建3D纸微流体装置

We demonstrate the use of patterned aerosol adhesives to construct both planar and nonplanar 3D paper microfluidic devices. By spraying an aerosol ...

High-throughput Identification of Bacteria Repellent Polymers for Medical Devices

Medical devices are often associated with hospital-acquired infections, which place enormous strain on patients and the healthcare system as well as contributing to antimicrobial resistance. One possible avenue for the reduction of device-associated infections is the identification of bacteria-repellent polymer coatings for these devices, which would prevent bacterial binding at the initial attachment step. A method for the identification of such repellent polymers, based on the parallel screening of hundreds of polymers using a microarray, is described here. This high-throughput method resulted in the identification of a range of promising polymers that resisted binding of various clinically relevant bacterial species individually and also as multi-species communities. One polymer, PA13 (poly(methylmethacrylate-co-dimethylacrylamide)), demonstrated significant reduction in attachment of a number of hospital isolates when coated onto two commercially available central venous catheters. The method described could be applied to identify polymers for a wide range of applications in which modification of bacterial attachment is important.

A high-throughput microarray method for the identification of polymers which reduce bacterial surface binding on medical devices is described.

医疗器械细菌高通量鉴定驱蚊聚合物

Medical devices are often associated with hospital-acquired infections, which place enormous strain on patients and the healthcare system as well as ...

Automated Robotic Liquid Handling Assembly of Modular DNA Devices

Recent advances in modular DNA assembly techniques have enabled synthetic biologists to test significantly more of the available &#34;design space&#34; represented by &#34;devices&#34; created as combinations of individual genetic components. However, manual assembly of such large numbers of devices is time-intensive, error-prone, and costly. The increasing sophistication and scale of synthetic biology research necessitates an efficient, reproducible way to accommodate large-scale, complex, and high throughput device construction.
Here, a DNA assembly protocol using the Type-IIS restriction endonuclease based Modular Cloning (MoClo) technique is automated on two liquid-handling robotic platforms. Automated liquid-handling robots require careful, often times tedious optimization of pipetting parameters for liquids of different viscosities (e.g. enzymes, DNA, water, buffers), as well as explicit programming to ensure correct aspiration and dispensing of DNA parts and reagents. This makes manual script writing for complex assemblies just as problematic as manual DNA assembly, and necessitates a software tool that can automate script generation. To this end, we have developed a web-based software tool, http://mocloassembly.com, for generating combinatorial DNA device libraries from basic DNA parts uploaded as Genbank files. We provide access to the tool, and an export file from our liquid handler software which includes optimized liquid classes, labware parameters, and deck layout. All DNA parts used are available through Addgene, and their digital maps can be accessed via the Boston University BDC ICE Registry. Together, these elements provide a foundation for other organizations to automate modular cloning experiments and similar protocols.
The automated DNA assembly workflow presented here enables the repeatable, automated, high-throughput production of DNA devices, and reduces the risk of human error arising from repetitive manual pipetting. Sequencing data show the automated DNA assembly reactions generated from this workflow are ~95% correct and require as little as 4% as much hands-on time, compared to manual reaction preparation.

Here, an automated workflow to perform modular DNA &#34;device&#34; assembly using a modular cloning DNA assembly method on liquid-handling robots is presented. The protocol uses an intuitive software tool for generating liquid handler picklists for combinatorial DNA device library generation, which we demonstrate using two liquid handling platforms.

模块化 DNA 设备的自动机器人液体处理组件

Recent advances in modular DNA assembly techniques have enabled synthetic biologists to test significantly more of the available &#34;design space&#34; ...

Scaling of Engineered Vascular Grafts Using 3D Printed Guides and the Ring Stacking Method

Coronary artery disease remains a leading cause of death, affecting millions of Americans. With the lack of autologous vascular grafts available, engineered grafts offer great potential for patient treatment. However, engineered vascular grafts are generally not easily scalable, requiring manufacture of custom molds or polymer tubes in order to customize to different sizes, constituting a time-consuming and costly practice. Human arteries range in lumen diameter from about 2.0-38 mm and in wall thickness from about 0.5-2.5 mm. We have created a method, termed the "Ring Stacking Method," in which variable size rings of tissue of the desired cell type, demonstrated here with vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs), can be created using guides of center posts to control lumen diameter and outer shells to dictate vessel wall thickness. These tissue rings are then stacked to create a tubular construct, mimicking the natural form of a blood vessel. The vessel length can be tailored by simply stacking the number of rings required to constitute the length needed. With our technique, tissues of tubular forms, similar to a blood vessel, can be readily manufactured in a variety of dimensions and lengths to meet the needs of the clinic and patient.

Scalable engineered blood vessels would improve clinical applicability. Using easily sizable 3D-printed guides, rings of vascular smooth muscle were created and stacked into a tubular form, forming a vascular graft. Grafts can be sized to meet the range of human coronary artery dimensions by simply changing the 3D-printed guide size.

工程血管移植缩放使用3D打印指南和环堆叠方法

Coronary artery disease remains a leading cause of death, affecting millions of Americans. With the lack of autologous vascular grafts available, ...

Synthesis of Biocompatible Liquid Crystal Elastomer Foams as Cell Scaffolds for 3D Spatial Cell Cultures

Here, we present a step-by-step preparation of a 3D, biodegradable, foam-like cell scaffold. These scaffolds were prepared by cross-linking star block co-polymers featuring cholesterol units as side-chain pendant groups, resulting in smectic-A (SmA) liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs). Foam-like scaffolds, prepared using metal templates, feature interconnected microchannels, making them suitable as 3D cell culture scaffolds. The combined properties of the regular structure of the metal foam and of the elastomer result in a 3D cell scaffold that promotes not only higher cell proliferation compared to conventional porous templated films, but also better management of mass transport (i.e., nutrients, gases, waste, etc.). The nature of the metal template allows for the easy manipulation of foam shapes (i.e., rolls or films) and for the preparation of scaffolds of different pore sizes for different cell studies while preserving the interconnected porous nature of the template. The etching process does not affect the chemistry of the elastomers, preserving their biocompatible and biodegradable nature. We show that these smectic LCEs, when grown for extensive time periods, enable the study of clinically relevant and complex tissue constructs while promoting the growth and proliferation of cells.

This study presents a methodology to prepare 3D, biodegradable, foam-like cell scaffolds based on biocompatible side-chain liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs). Confocal microscopy experiments show that foam-like LCEs allow for cell attachment, proliferation, and the spontaneous alignment of C2C12s myoblasts.

生物相容的液晶弹性体泡沫的合成中用作细胞支架的三维空间细胞培养

Here, we present a step-by-step preparation of a 3D, biodegradable, foam-like cell scaffold. These scaffolds were prepared by cross-linking star block ...

Fabrication of Custom Agarose Wells for Cell Seeding and Tissue Ring Self-assembly Using 3D-Printed Molds

Engineered tissues are being used clinically for tissue repair and replacement, and are being developed as tools for drug screening and human disease modeling. Self-assembled tissues offer advantages over scaffold-based tissue engineering, such as enhanced matrix deposition, strength, and function. However, there are few available methods for fabricating 3D tissues without seeding cells on or within a supporting scaffold. Previously, we developed a system for fabricating self-assembled tissue rings by seeding cells into non-adhesive agarose wells. A polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) negative was first cast in a machined polycarbonate mold, and then agarose was gelled in the PDMS negative to create ring-shaped cell seeding wells. However, the versatility of this approach was limited by the resolution of the tools available for machining the polycarbonate mold. Here, we demonstrate that 3D-printed plastic can be used as an alternative to machined polycarbonate for fabricating PDMS negatives. The 3D-printed mold and revised mold design is simpler to use, inexpensive to produce, and requires significantly less agarose and PDMS per cell seeding well. We have demonstrated that the resulting agarose wells can be used to create self-assembled tissue rings with customized diameters from a variety of different cell types. Rings can then be used for mechanical, functional, and histological analysis, or for fabricating larger and more complex tubular tissues.

This protocol describes a platform for fabricating self-assembled tissue rings in variable sizes using a customized 3D-printed plastic mold. PDMS negatives are cured in the 3D-printed mold; then agarose is cast in the cured PDMS negatives. Cells are seeded into the resulting agarose wells where they aggregate into tissue rings.

用 3 d-印刷模具制作细胞播种和组织环自组装用的自定义琼脂糖井

Engineered tissues are being used clinically for tissue repair and replacement, and are being developed as tools for drug screening and human disease ...

Wet-spinning-based Molding Process of Gelatin for Tissue Regeneration

This article presents an inexpensive method to fabricate gelatin, as a natural polymer, into monofilament fibers or other appropriate forms. Through the wet spinning method, gelatin fibers are produced by smooth extrusion in a suitable coagulation medium. To increase the functional surface of these gelatin fibers and their ability to mimic the features of tissues, gelatin can be molded into a tube form by referring to this concept. Examined by in vitro and in vivo tests, the gelatin tubes demonstrate a great potential for application in tissue engineering. Acting as a suitable filling gap material, gelatin tubes can be used to substitute the tissue in the damaged area (e.g., in the nervous or cardiovascular system), as well as to promote regeneration by providing a direct replacement of stem cells and neural circuitry. This protocol provides a detailed procedure for creating a biomaterial based on a natural polymer, and its implementation is expected to greatly benefit the development of correlative natural polymers, which help to realize tissue regeneration strategies.

We developed and describe a protocol based on the wet spinning concept, for the construction of gelatin-based biomaterials used for the application of tissue engineering.

明胶湿纺成型工艺促进组织再生

This article presents an inexpensive method to fabricate gelatin, as a natural polymer, into monofilament fibers or other appropriate forms. Through the ...

3D Printed Porous Cellulose Nanocomposite Hydrogel Scaffolds

This work demonstrates the use of three-dimensional (3D) printing to produce porous cubic scaffolds using cellulose nanocomposite hydrogel ink, with controlled pore structure and mechanical properties. Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs, 69.62 wt%) based hydrogel ink with matrix (sodium alginate and gelatin) was developed and 3D printed into scaffolds with uniform and gradient pore structure (110-1,100 &#181;m). The scaffolds showed compression modulus in the range of 0.20-0.45 MPa when tested in simulated in vivo conditions (in distilled water at 37 &#176;C). The pore sizes and the compression modulus of the 3D scaffolds matched with the requirements needed for cartilage regeneration applications. This work demonstrates that the consistency of the ink can be controlled by the concentration of the precursors and porosity can be controlled by the 3D printing process and both of these factors in return defines the mechanical properties of the 3D printed porous hydrogel scaffold. This process method can therefore be used to fabricate structurally and compositionally customized scaffolds according to the specific needs of patients.&#160;

The three critical steps of this protocol are i) developing the right composition and consistency of the cellulose hydrogel ink, ii) 3D printing of scaffolds into various pore structures with good shape fidelity and dimensions and iii) demonstration of the mechanical properties in simulated body conditions for cartilage regeneration.

三维印刷多孔纤维素纳米复合水凝胶脚手架

This work demonstrates the use of three-dimensional (3D) printing to produce porous cubic scaffolds using cellulose nanocomposite hydrogel ink, with ...

Design of an Open-Source, Low-Cost Bioink and Food Melt Extrusion 3D Printer

Three-dimensional (3D) printing is an increasingly popular manufacturing technique that allows highly complex objects to be fabricated with no retooling costs. This increasing popularity is partly driven by falling barriers to entry such as system set-up costs and ease of operation. The following protocol presents the design and construction of an Additive Manufacturing Melt Extrusion (ADDME) 3D printer for the fabrication of custom parts and components. ADDME has been designed with a combination of 3D-printed, laser-cut, and online-sourced components. The protocol is arranged into easy-to-follow sections, with detailed diagrams and parts lists under the headings of framing, y-axis and bed, x-axis, extrusion, electronics, and software. The performance of ADDME is evaluated through extrusion testing and 3D printing of complex objects using viscous cream, chocolate, and Pluronic F-127 (a model for bioinks). The results indicate that ADDME is a capable platform for the fabrication of materials and constructs for use in a wide range of industries. The combination of detailed diagrams and video content facilitates access to low-cost, easy-to-operate equipment for individuals interested in 3D printing of complex objects from a wide range of materials.

The aim of this work is to design and construct a reservoir-based melt extrusion three-dimensional printer made from open-source and low-cost components for applications in the biomedical and food printing industries.

设计开源、低成本生物墨水和食品熔炼挤出3D打印机

Three-dimensional (3D) printing is an increasingly popular manufacturing technique that allows highly complex objects to be fabricated with no retooling ...