September 2017

18 BUILD / September 2017 , “The customers can go beyond existing manufacturing and research possibilities, but they can do so with confidence, as our scientific instruments are constantly optimised due to our hands-on improvement focused mentality and the in- house developments from the Cytosurge laboratories. “The FluidFM technology, along with its multiple application possibilities, is not only unique but is an enabling technology for researchers and scientists, who seek out new paths and fulfil their vision in cell and bioscience, as well as micro metal 3D printing.” Edgar then turns his thoughts towards the wider industry and how cell and bioscience, as well as 3D printing, have impacted upon the company’s work. “For the cell-and bio science markets, it is a research and science oriented business, namely universities or the research departments of, for example, pharmaceutical companies. It is very important to stay at the forefront of technology development, to enable scientists to enter new territories and adopt to upcoming research fields. With the development of new research methods and new applications, the value of our technology steadily increases for our customers. “There are different trends within the 3D printing sector - manufacturing parts faster, bigger, smaller, more accurate with new materials or made of composites and so on. Even as a certain maturity of applications can be seen, it remains to be an industry sector for creative scientists and developers, so multiple new improvements will keep arising. “With the FluidFM µ 3Dprinter printing technology for micro metal objects, Cytosurge is clearly one of the innovators. We open complete new manufacturing possibilities of printing metal objects, at micro and even submicron scale. The FluidFM technology enables new research and science possibilities, but it can now be used for small batch industrial scale production.” Bringing this compelling interview to a close, Edgar reveals what the future holds for 3D printing technology and offers his concluding thoughts. “To be at the forefront of the technology is always both challenging and fascinating. You are the one others are following, and as such you must define the direction, accept a detour occasionally and pave the street. For cell and bioscience, as well as for micro 3D printing, we are just at the beginning of the journey. Both sectors are fast growing market segments and will prevail in growth. For cell and bioscience, the behaviour, reaction and analysis of living cells in their natural environment will be increasingly important. The injection or extraction of various liquids to living cells and the study of their effects, is gaining huge attention for scientists. “For 3D technology, there are various trends to spot. On the science and research level, smaller metal objects will lead to the development of new integrated systems and functionality. The printing of sensors directs on a chip, micro- robots, conductivities invisible for the eye, micro antennas and die contacting on submicron meter scale are just a few of the fields where the development of 3D micron scale objects printing will increase possibilities. “We’ll keep on going with a healthy growth rate, as the demand is steadily increasing for both sectors. One of the major projects for the 3D printing is to develop one industrial scale application - which will have a major impact on the specific industry - this will take place with exclusive partners we have already started to cooperate with.” Additional Information about 3D printing: • Latest FluidFM 3D video: youtu.be/GCRh1a68_nw; • Exhibition and congress 2017 participated: Inside3D Düsseldorf, Germany; Hannover Messe, Germany; IDTechEx, Berlin, Germany; Advanced Material Congress, X’ian, China; upcoming: (11/2017) IDTechEx, Santa Clara, USA; • Award winner: Best Development 3D Printing 2017 -Europe- (IDTechEx) and; • Papers: template-free 3D Microprinting of metals using a Forced-Controlled nanopipette for Layer-by- Layer Electrodeposition (by Luca Hirt, et al.). Additional videos about bio and cell research: Single cell injection: www. cytosurge.com/page/ singlecellinjection Single cell adhesion: www. cytosurge.com/page/ singlecelladhesion Colloidal spectroscopy: www.cytosurge.com/page/ colloidalspectroscopy Spotting: www.cytosurge.com/ page/spotting Nanolithography: www.cytosurge. com/page/nanolithography Single bacteria adhesion: www.cytosurge.com/page/ singlebacteriaadhesion Edgar Hepp, Business Development 3D printing