Technologies – Direct Ink Writing

Versatile and precise 3D printing technology

The DIW (Direct Ink Writing) technology, also known as Robocasting, is an additive manufacturing technique based on the controlled extrusion of highly viscous pastes or inks. It allows printing a wide variety of materials and is particularly useful in advanced research and development environments.

What materials can be printed with DIW?

It is widely used in research and development environments for printing:

Ceramic or metallic materials, which are later consolidated through thermal treatment.

Formulations for tissue engineering and bioprinting.

Conductive, insulating or reactive materials for advanced technological applications.

Composites, metal oxides, and other special materials.

PowerDIW: advanced DIW application at CIM UPC

Based on various custom projects, together with the UPC, a 3D printing system has been developed based on Direct Ink Writing (DIW) technology, designed to drive innovation in additive manufacturing, accelerate the development of new materials, and pave the way for advanced applications in high-tech demanding environments. Power DIW stands out for:

Differential value of the Power DIW

Patented printhead capable of reaching 800 N of extrusion force.

Compatibility with a wide range of viscosities and custom formulations. Materials loaded with solid particles up to 90% by volume.

Ability to work with multiple nozzles and high-pressure extrusion systems.

Full process control: speed, flow rate, temperature, and humidity.

Equipment

PowerDIW

PowerDIW is an additive manufacturing system that uses Direct Ink Writing technology to transform dense and viscous materials into 3D functional objects. Thanks to its modular design, the configuration of the printing head and the additional functionalities can be selected according to the specific requirements of each project.

  • Machine size (width x length x height): 1 m x 0.75 m x 1.75 m
  • Maximum speed: 100 mm/s
  • Minimum Nozzle Diameter: 100 um
  • Axis Resolution (XYZ): 25 um
  • Maximum force on the plunger: 800 N
  • Minimum printable volume: 0.61 mm³
  • Build Volume (XYZ): 100 x 100 x 100 mm
  • Number of printhead: 1
  • Cartridge Sizes (Nordson Standard): 10 cc
  • Enclosed Chamber:

Additional features

The standard model already comes equipped with advanced features, but its great competitive advantage is the ability to grow at your own pace, adding new modules according to your needs:

  • Second DIW printhead capable of reaching an extrusion force of 800 N on the plunger. Both systems can operate independently.
  • Second DIW printhead capable of reaching an extrusion force of 800 N on the plunger. Both systems can operate independently.
  • Environmental control is guaranteed by the Heating and Humidity system, improving print quality and ensuring consistent material performance.
  • UVA system located on a DIW printhead to cure the prints and improve their strength and surface detail.
  • IR system capable of increasing the temperature using infrared technology, ensuring constant heating and precise prints.
  • Heated bed to ensure adhesion to the print surface when using the FDM printhead or certain PLA-based binder materials.
  • Fourth axis that adds rotation capability for complex multidimensional printing, expanding design possibilities.
  • Els sistemes de calefacció i refrigeració de la xeringa permeten un control precís de la temperatura, optimitzant el flux de material i assegurant una extrusió constant en un ampli rang de viscositats.

Application sectors

Health and Biotechnology

  • Regenerative medicine
  • Tissues
  • Medical devices
  • Dental

Electronics and Energy

  • Microcomponents
  • Sensors
  • Fuel cells
  • PCB substrates

Manufacturing industry

  • Ceramic/metallic components
  • Automation
  • Flexible joints and insulation

Pharmaceutical and Chemical

  • Microreactors
  • Drug development
  • Organs-on-chips

Our partners

What do our customers say?

“The great advantage of DIW technology is the freedom to prepare your own pastes with different particle loads according to needs.” Read more

Claudio Aguilar
Universidad Técnica Federico Santa Maria

“PowerDIW was the solution to create complex porous structures and manufacture unique parts adapted to very specific industrial applications.” Read more

Jose Antonio Calero
AMES-Sintered Metallic Components

“The acquisition process was dynamic thanks to its proximity to CIM UPC, guaranteeing efficient contact and continuous agile improvements.” Read more

Anna Díez
Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya

We customize your PowerDIW

Each PowerDIW system is designed for the specific needs of each project. Tell us what you want to do, and we will find the best solution to revolutionize your processes through additive manufacturing.

Want to know if it can be useful for your project? Contact us and we’ll help you explore its possibilities.