BioComposites - personalized products and services (PPS)
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | RISE INNVENTIA AB |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 5 679 000 |
| Project duration | September 2017 - October 2021 |
| Status | Completed |
Important results from the project
Systematic solutions of bio-composites in combination with 3D printing have been developed. Besides technologies, environmental aspects were weighted in the chosen approaches. The composites either in portion or in whole from bio-origins, e.g., wood, plant, and bacteria have been studied and their 3D printability investigated. Four demonstrators, two prosthetic devices and two accessories, were created, tested, and evaluated by either experts or through clinic trials. The project has led to three journal publications and two conference presentations / reports.
Expected long term effects
The project developed a technology platform for personalized product and service based on bio-based material and additive manufacturing (AM) technology. The expected effects include an accelerated transition to modern and sustainable industries through replacing fossil materials by ones from bio-based and renewable resources, reduced material waste using AM, alternative business model with personalized products and services, higher added value and lower environmental impacts. This will also lead to stronger and more competitive Swedish industries
Approach and implementation
The project started with selection of materials from existing sources and complemented with bio-composites that were developed within the project to build up an environmentally friendly material system. Then four demonstrators, two prosthetic devices and two accessories, consisting of either in part or in whole rigid and flexible zones were created with two AM technologies, FDM (fused deposition modelling) and SLS (selective laser sintering). Finally, these demonstrators were evaluated based on experts’ assessment groups or through clinic trials with satisfactory outcomes.