Recently, a group of researchers from the University of Helsinki in Finland created a 3D printed microreactor device to help them study chemical reactions more effectively and improve their research process. This project is another example of how to take advantage of 3D printing to overcome specific challenges. Dr. Gianmario Scotti, a University of Helsinki scientist, was drawn to 3D printing after conducting certain chemical experiments in a clean room 15 kilometers from the research laboratory. Scotti, in collaboration with researcher Markus Haapala, believes it is possible to create compact, disposable containers that contain chemical reactions via 3D printing to provide a way to completely clean the clean room. Scotti's research must use microchips processed by mass spectrometry, an analytical technique that ionizes chemicals and classifies them according to their mass-to-charge ratios. Before 3D printing equipment, researchers had to go to the clean room to test batches of microchips using mass spectrometry, which means producing large quantities of more efficient microchips at a time. As Scotti explained, this approach took a significant amount of time because the research team had to wait for the microchips to be mass-produced before testing. By developing disposable microreactors for 3D printing, Scotti and Haapala think they can bypass the clean room and connect the 3D print containers to the mass spectrometer to study the microchips' chemical reactions. Scotti, who has experience with 3D printed metal (stainless steel), believes that the use of plastic provides a more economical solution, especially when the container is disposable. Ultimately, the researchers decided to use polypropylene, a durable material that does not adversely affect the chemistry of the test. The research team ordered polypropylene filaments from suppliers in Germany and quickly developed and tested various microreactor designs. After several different prototypes, the researchers developed a 3D printed microreactor for mass spectrometry analysis. The next step is to use a 3D printed container for mass spectrometry analysis. To this end, researchers Sofia Nilsson involved. "By connecting the microreactor to the mass spectrometer, the reaction can be tracked in real time, with high sensitivity and selectivity," she explains. "Therefore, the reaction of intermediates and even transitional states can be detected, making it possible to specify the reaction mechanism, which is the focus of my research." In addition, the 3D printed microreactor consists of a small plastic container (for mixing chemical samples) with a stir bar and a thin needle. In order to incorporate the stir bar and nanofiber needle as seamlessly as possible, researchers must suspend the 3D printing process and install it before resuming printing. How does 3D microreactor work? The magnetic stirrer bar can be activated by simply placing a computer fan under the microreactor, with the entire container supported by a 3D printing fixture, which is also attached to the 3D gripper. Ultimately, 3D printing equipment allows researchers at the University of Helsinki to test their microchips more efficiently using mass spectrometry. The project's findings are published in the recent Journal of Reactive Chemistry and Engineering, entitled "Micro 3D printed polypropylene reactor for on-line reaction analysis by mass spectrometry." The tachi has a distinctive style and construction, with a longer handle and a more pronounced curve compared to the katana. The blade is typically made from high-quality steel, with a sharp cutting edge and a strong spine. The tachi was often adorned with elaborate fittings and decorations, reflecting the status and wealth of the samurai who owned it. Tachi Sword, Tachi Katana, Tachi Blade Ningbo Autrends International Trade Company , https://www.longquan-swords.com
In battle, the tachi was a versatile weapon, capable of delivering powerful cuts and thrusts. Its longer length and curved shape allowed for greater reach and cutting power, making it effective against both armored and unarmored opponents. The tachi was also used for ceremonial purposes, such as during weddings and formal events.
Over time, the tachi fell out of favor and was eventually replaced by the katana as the preferred sword of the samurai. However, the tachi remains an important part of Japanese sword history and is highly valued by collectors and enthusiasts for its unique design and historical significance.
A Finnish university has developed a 3D printed microreactor to speed up chemical analysis