Location: Istituto di BioRobotica – Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna
Lab head: Prof. Stefano Palagi
Contact: info@lab.it
Lab Team
Stefano Palagi
Associate Professor Istituto di Biorobotica
Aliria Poliziani
Technologist Istituto di Biorobotica
Michele Ibrahimi
Technologist Istituto di Biorobotica
Lab Mission
The +Tech Laboratory aims at pioneering the future of biorobotics and 3D printing. Our state-of-the-art lab is a hub for innovation, driving advancements across diverse domains like soft robotics, implantable and wearable robotics, regenerative medicine, artificial organs and micro/nanorobotics. Here’s what we aim to achieve:
- Fast prototyping: Quickly transform concepts into 3D prototypes for design validation and testing.
- Cutting-edge fabrication: Create functional, soft and/ or multi-material 3D components tailored for advanced technologies.
- Micro/nano innovations: 3D print at a scale invisible to human eye: micro/nanorobots and components with high precision.
- Biocompatible devices: Produce 3D parts from biocompatible or biomaterial-based substrates for seamless integration of biomedical devices and also 3D bio-structures for regenerative medicine.
- Revolutionary materials and methods: Develop and test the next-generation of printable materials and printing methods, that redefine what’s possible in biorobotics.
Devices
NanoScribe – Quantum X Shape with Bio Module
Micro scale 3D printing system based on two photon polymerization
Nanoscribe QuantumX Shape is a 3D bio-printer based on two-photon polymerization, using a femtosecond pulsed laser with a wavelength in the range 700-800 nm. It enables high-resolution (sub-micron) 3D printing without limitations to the geometry and can use a variety of printing materials with different chemical-physical properties, including functional materials and cellular constructs that must not be damaged during the printing process.
Data sheet: download
Additional Information: General Features
Note: The machine requires the technical personnel presence
NanoScribe – Quantum X Shape (at NEST joint lab)
Micro scale 3D printing system based on two photon polymerization
Nanoscribe QuantumX Shape is 3D printer based on two-photon polymerization, using a femtosecond pulsed laser with a wavelength in the range 700-800 nm. It enables high-resolution (sub-micron) 3D printing without limitations to the geometry and can use a variety of printing materials with different chemical-physical properties, including functional materials.
Data sheet: download
Additional Information: General Features
Note: The machine requires the technical personnel presence
Stratasys – j35 Pro
Multimaterial Polyjet 3D printer for printing up to three materials simultaneously
The Stratasys J35 Pro is a PolyJet 3D printer that prints up to three materials simultaneously, offering multi-color, functional material gradients and transparency. It supports rigid, flexible, and biocompatible materials, ideal for prototyping in product design and healthcare. It has a high resolution, able to produce high-details and smooth-surface parts for functional testing and design validation.
Data sheet: download
Additional Information: General Features
Desktop Health – 4th Generation EnvisionTec Bioplotter, Manufacturer Series
Extrusion based 3D bio-printer, able to print hydrogels, soft and advanced materials
The 4th Generation Envisiontec Bioplotter series features five interchangeable toolheads, enabling the printing of a diverse range of materials, from low-temperature options (as low as 0°C) to high-temperature thermoplastics like PEEK. This versatility allows for applications in both bioprinting (tissue structures and biomaterials) and other industrial uses. With high precision and seamless integration into laboratory workflows, it is an ideal solution for research and development across multiple fields.
Data sheet: download
Additional Information: General Features
Note: The machine requires the technical personnel presence
Lynxter – S600D
Big volume FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) 3D printer
The Lynxter S600 is a delta-configuration 3D printer designed for high-speed, large-volume extrusion of advanced materials. Its open-source hardware and software allow customization for testing and research across various fields, empowering users to innovate by easily integrating new hardware or software. The current setup supports filament printing, but interchangeable toolheads are on the market for silicones and pastes printing, maintaining large-volume capabilities.
Data sheet: download
Additional Information: General Features
Lynxter – S300X
Extrusion based 3D-printer for soft and flexible materials
The Lynxter S300X is a cartesian 3D printer aimed at printing silicone, polyurethane and LSR (liquid silicone rubber) materials with hardness ranging from 5 to 80 A shore. Some of these materials are also biocompatible and there is almost no limit to the geometries thanks to soluble supports. Its open-source hardware and software allow customization for testing and research of new hardware, software or materials.
Data sheet: download
Additional Information: General Features
Park Systems – AFM (Atomic Force Microscopy) NX10
Park Systems – AFM (Atomic Force Microscopy) NX10
This instrument is designed to produce inherently distortion-free and reproducible images. Park Afm system has a unique scanning mode, (True Non-Contact™ mode), that produces accurate, high-resolution data by preventing destructive tip-sample interaction during scanning.
Data sheet: download
Additional Information: General Features
Note: The machine requires the technical personnel presence
3D Systems – Projet MJP 3600
Multi-jet 3D printer
3D printer based on MJP (Multi Jet Printing), which is an inkjet technology for photopolymer materials, cured by UV over wax soluble supports.These printers ensure fast turnaround times for rigid plastic parts with complex, consistent, high-resolution geometries.
Data sheet: download
Additional Information: General Features
Note: This machine is directly managed by Biorobotics Institute internal personnel, please refer to: nicodemo.funaro@santannapisa.it
Ultimaker S5
FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) 3D printer
FDM 3D printer able to print a general purpose objects for fast prototyping mainly in PLA/ PLA tough.
Data sheet: download
Additional Information: General Features
Note: This machine is managed and used within the Biorobotics Institute. Usage under BRIEF is possible under special requests and restrictions to the lab contact.
Formlabs 3B+
Stereolithography 3D printer
Desktop 3D printer, based on a single point laser module with wavelength of 405 nm, for the polymerization of Formlabs proprietary resins.
Data sheet: download
Additional Information: General Features
Note: This machine is managed and used within the Biorobotics Institute. Usage under BRIEF is possible under special requests and restrictions to the lab contact.
SEM – Scanning Electron Microscopy
Phenom XL Desktop SEM
It allows high-resolution imaging featuring a large capacity stage (100 x 100 mm). Its software enables automatic focusing as well as brightness and contrast adjustments. Electron-sample interactions disclose information such as external morphology (texture), chemical composition and crystalline structure. The software enables automatic focusing as well as brightness and contrast adjustments.
Data sheet: download
Note: This machine is managed and used within the Biorobotics Institute. Usage under BRIEF is possible under special requests and restrictions to the lab contact.
Sputter
Custom-made sputtering system
Contact the reference person for more details
Note: This machine is managed and used within the Biorobotics Institute. Usage under BRIEF is possible under special requests and restrictions to the lab contact.