Use FullControl G-Code Designer for MEW

Melt Electrowriting (MEW) is an advanced 3D printing technique used in applications like bioprinting and tissue engineering. MEW utilizes an electric field to draw fine polymer fibers from a molten source. To get started, it’s crucial to grasp the following key parameters:

High Voltage:

In Melt Electrowriting (MEW) systems, a high voltage power source is essential to create the electric field needed for fiber formation. This electric field acts as the force responsible for extracting the fiber from the molten polymer and guiding it towards the collector. Therefore, it is desirable to have a strong electric field. However, it’s crucial to be mindful of the air’s electric breakdown limit, which is approximately 0.6 kV/mm but can vary depending on factors like relative humidity and air conditions. To ensure efficient fiber generation without causing electric discharges, it’s important to maintain a balanced gradient within this limit.

Extrusion Feed rate:

The extrusion feed rate manages the flow of molten polymer, often adjusted through pressure control. In some cases, it can also be controlled by the movement of a piston or a screw, depending on the extrusion method. Regulating this flow rate results in changes to the fiber diameter. A higher feed rate leads to thicker fibers, while too little feed rate can produce fibers within the range of a few microns or even below a micron. This can result in a curly effect in the deposited fiber, caused by a wiping action. Whether this effect is desirable or not depends on the application, as MEW applications typically require straight fibers.

Nozzle-to-Collector Distance:

Keeping the right space between the nozzle and the collector plate or bed is essential for precise printing. If it’s too close, it can impact fiber diameter and even create an electric field. On the flip side, the closer it is, the more precise your prints will be. Finding the right balance between proximity and avoiding these unwanted effects is crucial.

Print Movement Speed:

The speed at which the nozzle moves in relation to the collector while printing has a significant impact on print quality. It affects factors like fiber diameter, feature accuracy, and can even lead to a curling effect if it’s too slow.

Material properties:

Each material has its own properties, and they are crucial for the way they will behave during the MEW process. The chemical composition and molecular weight play an important role together with the presence of additives or impurities. All of them influence the viscosity, Fluence rate, Poisson’s ratio, and conductivity that dramatically affect the material behavior during the MEW process.

Melt-Electrowriting (MEW) is an advanced 3D printing method revolutionizing bioprinting and tissue engineering. By leveraging high voltage, it draws fine polymer fibers from molten sources, necessitating a strong but safe electric field. Managing the extrusion feed rate controls fiber thickness, while the nozzle-to-collector distance and print movement speed ensure precise outcomes. Materials’ unique properties, like composition and additives, significantly impact behavior during MEW. Understanding these key parameters unlocks MEW’s potential for groundbreaking applications.