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​​From research paper to real-world application

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Prof. Hwu’s initial encounter with NanoVoxel wasn’t through a flashy marketing campaign. Instead, it was a research paper that sparked their interest. The excitement Prof. Hwu expressed stemmed from the technology’s uniqueness—at the time, Nanovoxel was the first company worldwide delivering high precision 2PP 3D printing services. The initial excitement was further reinforced by the realization that there weren’t many comparable alternatives.

Prof. Hwu articulated their necessity perfectly: “Service will be easier, because we don’t need to buy the cow to drink the milk.”

 

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Microscale precision and excellent follow-up

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Prof. Hwu described Nanovoxel’s processes as involving “different layers of support” suggesting an intuitive grasp of the layered approach to a comprehensive microscale micro-manufacturing service. This is vital; understanding the technology’s complexity is crucial for bridging the gap between technical innovation and real-world application. Prof. Hwu’s positive experience with ease of communication with Nanovoxel’s application engineers that helped him along with the process, directly translates into increased efficiency and ultimately, cost-effectiveness for their research.​

 

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Revolutionizing healthcare with microscale structures

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Prof. Hwu’s work focuses on health technology applications. Their research team develops microscale devices for drug delivery, sensing, and sampling within the gut. This area is crucial because conventional 3D printers lack the required resolution for such intricate devices. It demonstrates how Nanovoxel’s technology contributes to significant advancements in various fields, notably healthcare.

 

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Resolution, material and support

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The interview then turned to the challenges faced when using traditional 3D printing methods. Prof. Hwu cited issues such as parts bending over time, indicating limitations in the resolution and materials used in conventional systems. This provided a clear contrast and showcased the advantages of Nanovoxel’s technology. The high-resolution capabilities, superior material choices, and overall reliability offered by Nanovoxel’s services solve many of these crucial issues: researchers can be supported by providing reliable, precise components.

 

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Balancing value and cost-effectiveness

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The customer emphasized the cost-effectiveness of outsourcing compared to in-house printing. This cost comparison particularly accounts for the expense of hiring and retaining specialized personnel needed to operate high-precision 3D printers. While the customer initially considered building their own printer, the cost analysis demonstrated outsourcing as the superior solution.

The comparison between in-house printing and Nanovoxel’s service highlights the importance of considering the total cost of ownership. This includes not only the direct cost of the parts but also the indirect costs associated with in-house resources, equipment maintenance, and potential delays.​​​​​​​​​​​​​