Big Picture

Graphic showing overview of AMPRL research

Selected Projects

  • Developed a novel prototype system to 3d print piezoelectric ceramic devices by integrating tape-casting and stereolithography techniques.
  • High viscosity (5Pa•s~250Pa•s) and ultra thin layer recoating (less than 10µm) can be achieved in order to fabricate piezoelectric components in sensor, ultrasound transducer, etc.
  • Use high temperature sintering to burn out organic composition and densify piezoelectric particles.
  • Developed an image-projection and motion-control integrated software system based on an 8 axis microcontroller (KFlop).
  • A barium titanate (BTO) based ultrasound transducer array has been made by this process and a d33 of 160 pC/N has been achieved (compared to 190pC/N of bulk BTO). The fabricated piezo-components has been successfully tested in an ultrasound transducer system.
  • The process has also been used to fabricate calcium phosphate based bone scaffolds, which have been successfully tested and implanted in a rat femur surgery.
Illustration of piezoelectric device fabrication

 

  • Use 3D Printing process to fabricate microstructures with high dielectric polymer/ceramic composite materials.
  • Developed a novel fabrication platform to build functionally graded materials with carbon nanotube reinforced composite suspension.
Illustration of polymer-based composite fabrication

 

  • Developed a multi-scale stereolithography system, whose smallest feature could be as small as 5µm, and building size could be as big as 50mm.
  • Use DOE methods to study the effects of light absorber, light intensity and light uniformity on photo-polymerization.
  • Designed an optical system to adjust the imaging focus and control the quality of fabrication.
Additive manufacturing illustration

 

  • Developed a low-cost 6 axis parallel kinematic machine for multi-directional additive manufacturing processes based on Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) process.
  • Developed a simulation and motion control software system for tool path planning, constraint checking, tool motion simulation and control.
  • Developed a laser-camera system for 6-axis platform calibration and real-time feedback control of initial deposition gap.
  • Reported in the media, e.g., Boingboing and USC’s viterbi school. The machine is selected as a sample case by Dynomotion Inc. in their product instruction.
Photo of six-axis parallel kinematic machine

 

  • Worked with orthodontists at USC to create a new solution to straighten teeth faster, more comfortably and esthetically. It combines the effectiveness of conventional braces, the aesthetics of behind-the-teeth braces, and the comfort and ease of use of Invisalign all in a single appliance.
  • Designed shape memory wire contour for teeth samples with CAD software.
  • 2014 USC Maseeh Entrepreneurship Prize Competition (MEPC), the grand prize along with $50K in cash and $20K in legal services for ComfortCorrect.
Model of teeth

 

Acknowledgments

We would like to acknowledge and sincerely thank our sponsors for their generous support of our research!

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