EnvisionTEC has long been a leader in 3D printing technology, with over two decades of innovation that have positioned it at the forefront of the industry. Born from Envisontec, in 2021 the dental and medical 3D printing division for personalized, patient-oriented care was rebranded to Desktop Health. 

In collaboration with the InterLynk project, EnvisionTEC has taken a significant step forward by enhancing its 3D-Bioplotter technology, which has been essential in bioprinting since its inception in 2000. The technology’s latest upgrade involves a unique Print and Cure printhead that integrates two traditionally separate processes: printing and curing (solidifying) the material immediately after it is dispensed. This integration is vital as it ensures the materials solidify right away, maintaining the precision and stability of the structures being printed. This is particularly important for printing the delicate but complex scaffolds developed in InterLynk—structures that support the growth of multiple tissues within the human body.

The Print and Cure printhead is a remarkable advancement in engineering. It features a material cartridge and photo-curing gels that respond to light, hardening right at the needle's tip where the material is dispensed. This printhead uses two types of light (365nm and 405nm), and users can switch between them depending on the project’s needs. It also includes advanced features like thermal management to handle long curing projects and a mechanism to prevent the material from curing prematurely inside the needle. This careful control extends to adjusting the light’s brightness, ensuring materials are not over-cured, which is crucial for maintaining the viability of any embedded living cells.

This cutting-edge printhead is now available across all Developer and Manufacturer Series 3D-Bioplotters and is integral to processing the materials developed in InterLynk. This advancement streamlines the creation of complex and delicate biological structures while also opening new possibilities in medical research and applications.

The Print and Cure printhead exemplifies EnvisionTEC's innovative approach and underscores the company's key role in the InterLynk project and its overall commitment to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in medical technology.

Find out more about EnvisionTEC and Desktop Health’s technology on their website.