This editorial illustration sheds light on recent 3D printing research.
A 3D printers nozzle limits the printer's capacity for precision, and the manufacturing of fine dispense tips is challenging and expensive.
A 3D printers nozzle limits the printer's capacity for precision, and the manufacturing of fine dispense tips is challenging and expensive.
To overcome this limitation, researchers investigated naturally occurring structures that could be used as a printing nozzle. Rising to the top was the proboscis of the female mosquito, which is half the diameter of commercially available nozzles and allows for printing as small as 18
to 28 μ, which is about the size of a white blood cell.
to 28 μ, which is about the size of a white blood cell.
Audience: General public
Medium: Maya, Adobe Photoshop
Client: Marc Dryer (University of Toronto)
Year: 2026
Medium: Maya, Adobe Photoshop
Client: Marc Dryer (University of Toronto)
Year: 2026
Ideation and Sketches
Guided by my research, I explored different ways of visualizing the subject matter. I chose to
depict a mosquito in a 3D printer, printing a tiny mosquito with resin through its proboscis. This non-literal approach would generate an eye-catching visual that reinforced the precise printing enabled by a mosquito proboscis.
depict a mosquito in a 3D printer, printing a tiny mosquito with resin through its proboscis. This non-literal approach would generate an eye-catching visual that reinforced the precise printing enabled by a mosquito proboscis.
After receiving feedback on these initial sketches I created a comprehensive sketch that fleshed out my ideas. This sketch informed my modeling.
Initial Modelling
With my idea established, I created a preliminary 3D model with general shapes
and lighting. This low fidelity modelling allowed me to assess the effectiveness of my chosen approach, before committing time to a detailed render.
and lighting. This low fidelity modelling allowed me to assess the effectiveness of my chosen approach, before committing time to a detailed render.
Refined Modelling
Finally, I created my refined model. Having already made the general design and form decisions, I now focused on developing details. After sculpting, I added lights and textures and made final adjustments.
