aluminum extruder rapid manufacturing Carbohydrate Additive Rapid Manufacturing Aluminum (CarmAl) Extruder Docket: UAH-P-13019 Technology Recent advances in bio printing have been made using various materials. The most recent improvement was the BaricUDA extruder, which featured heated extrusion. However, this traditional extruder was made of nuts/bolts, wood parts, and glass, as the use of a glass syringe under pressure was dangerous. Researchers at UAH have developed a robust universal pressurized paste extruder made primarily from machined aluminum and nichrome wire. As opposed to the traditional extruders, CarmAl extruder, made from one solid metal piece, is safe and has been pressure tested up to 100 PSI and temperatures over 200°C. The extruder can be fitted on a variety of 3-D printers and machines with a simple plastic adapter carriage. Bio-friendly materials can be extruded into a variety of shapes based on the design of the operator. This extruder is suitable for use in the highest quality labs. Its affordability and ease of use allow a low entry point to additive manufacturing. Applications Research organ manufacturing Prototyping Prosthesis fabrication Implant and graft manufacturing Food printing Medical drug synthesis Transplant organ manufacturing Advantages Simplicity High pressurization threshold High temperature threshold High structural integrity Resistance to corrosion Low cost Status State of Development: Proof of concept Licensing Status: Available for licensing Patent Status: Patent pending