• Multi-scala
• Multi-materiale
• Bioprinting
• Micro-estrusione
• Inkjet

This thesis focuses on the design and fabrication of a printing platform for multi-material and multi-scale Bioprinting, which integrates micro-extrusion and thermal Drop-on-demand Inkjet on the same machine.
The new platform will integrate with a previously built three-axis cartesian positioning system, in the scope of the BOOST project, a European funded project whose aim is to study Osteoporosis using Bioprinted bone scaffolds.
The platform was designed following a series of sequential steps, by starting with the identification of the design requirements through theorical modelling and Finite Element Analysis (FEA). The values found in through these analyses were then used to (1) correctly dimension the platform, and (2) for its mechanical validation.
A major focus of this thesis is on electronic prototyping and control of the platform. A whole printing utility was designed and coded with three main programming languages: Python, C++, and Matlab. The utility guides the user through all the necessary steps required to print the final construct, allowing him/her to specify the desired printing parameters. Moreover, the utility has several add-ons and error handling features to improve the user experience.
Using this method, the platform was validated through a series of printing tests. Firstly, the correct combination of printing parameters was found for the given material. These parameters were then used to print a series of proof-of-concept shapes by using Inkjet printing to create a 3D ink shape inside an extruded gel support. The promising results of these printing tests show the potential of the novel printing platform for scaffold fabrication in Bioprinting.