Researchers from Rice University and Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed a new 3D printing technology that recycles wood waste material. According to the paper Three-dimensional printing of wood in Science Advances, the new methodology results in 3D printed objects with the texture, appearance, thermal stability, and smell of natural wood. Also, in contrast with some other 'wood' 3D printing filaments available today, the new material is simply a water-based ink made of lignin and cellulose, the primary building blocks of natural wood – no plastics here.
The researchers were inspired to develop their wood ink after pondering over the inefficiency of traditional carpentry. They still, however, were attracted to some of the defining qualities of wood – specifically its visual, textural, olfactory, and mechanical properties. They wanted to mix the latest manufacturing technology of 3D printing, or additive manufacturing, without losing the attractive qualities of wood in the process.
