The aim of the INDIGO project is research and development of 3D printing methods for manufacture of intricate micro systems such as microreactors and separators for use in flow chemistry.

This project proposal provides a continuation of research done in our previous HRZZ project “Development of materials for 3D printing of microreactors” (3Dmicroreactors). 3Dmicroreactors solved many problems and created new interesting challenges identified as 6 objectives we will solve in this project DesIgn aNd 3D printInG of micrOreactor systems for Industry 4.0 (INDIGO).

The use of 3D printing technology as a tool for advancing science has begun to gain acceptance as reported in Nature and other top journals. 3D printing, which was created by combining computer-aided design with additive manufacturing, was first meant to produce prototypes for testing before full industrial production. Its capacity to produce 3D objects with intricate geometries has helped this field's expansion into other applications as it has become more developed. Chemical engineers and chemists have started to use these benefits in their own research. Certainly, the development and application of 3D printed reaction containers and flow devices have been the most notable examples of this adoption. This application is enabling new possibilities for development of flow chemistry.

Scientific research objectives of the project:

O1         To prepare new functional filaments for the fused filament fabrication (FFF) technology

O2         To test new designs of 3D printed microreactor systems

O3         To test the influence of microreactor surface modification on flow dynamics

O4         To develop chemical sensor coatings

O5         To integrate spectroscopic analytical methods for in situ measurements

O6         To develop continuous separators