A cutting-edge chemical 3D printer called a ‘Chemputer’ could enable advanced chemical processes to grow aircraft and some of their complex electronic systems from a molecular level up. The drones would take shape by introducing raw materials into the chemical baths and applying centrifugal force, which would encourage the aircraft to form into their final shapes.
“We have been developing routes to digitise synthetic and materials chemistry and at some point in the future hope to assemble complex objects in a machine from the bottom up, or with minimal human assistance,” explained Professor Lee Cronin of the University of Glasgow, and founding scientific director at Cronin Group – who is developing the Chemputer. “Creating small aircraft would be very challenging but I’m confident that creative thinking and convergent digital technologies will eventually lead to the digital programming of complex chemical and material systems.”
The aircraft could perform a variety of missions where a rapid response is needed, including deploying emergency supplies for special forces inside enemy territory using a sophisticated release system and deploying small surveillance aircraft.
Professor Nick Colosimo, BAE Systems global engineering fellow, said: “The world of military and civil aircraft is constantly evolving and it's been exciting to work with scientists and engineers outside BAE Systems and to consider how some unique British technologies could tackle the military threats of the future.”
The researchers say this technology could use environmentally sustainable materials and could also be used to produce multi-functional parts for large manned aircraft. It is also not inconceivable to think that the technology could trickle down into the industrial and consumer technology markets to create anything from industrial machines and vehicles to furnishings and electronic devices.
