# 50. Additive Manufacturing for Eardrums and Nano-Objects

- Show: [The Next Byte Podcast](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast)
- Published: 2021-12-28
- Length: 26m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2021-12-28-50-additive-manufacturing-for-eardrums-and-nano-objects
- Listen: https://the-next-byte-wevolver.simplecast.com/episodes/50-3d-printed-cochlear-implants-9t1rzAD2

## Summary

Hosts Daniel and Forbode discuss advancements in additive manufacturing, starting with a compact 3D laser nanoprinter from Heidelberg University and Karlsruhe Institute of Technology that uses a low-powered semiconductor laser to make nanoscale printing accessible and affordable. They then explore research from the University of Cambridge, where 3D printing and machine learning are combined to create synthetic cochleas to study 'current spread' in cochlear implants. The hosts highlight how these technologies allow biologists to simulate human anatomy and understand hearing mechanics without invasive procedures.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2021-12-28-50-additive-manufacturing-for-eardrums-and-nano-objects#t=0) Introduction: 50th Episode and Podcast Anniversary
- [3:09](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2021-12-28-50-additive-manufacturing-for-eardrums-and-nano-objects#t=189) Compact 3D Laser Nanoprinters: From Femtosecond to Semiconductor Lasers
- [16:11](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2021-12-28-50-additive-manufacturing-for-eardrums-and-nano-objects#t=971) 3D Printing & ML To Create Cochlear Implants and Study Current Spread
- [25:50](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2021-12-28-50-additive-manufacturing-for-eardrums-and-nano-objects#t=1550) Conclusion: Intersection of Biology, Materials, and Machine Learning

## Topics

- [Prototyping & iteration](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/prototyping)
- [Materials & manufacturing processes](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/materials-and-processes)
- [AI & machine learning](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/ai-and-machine-learning)
- [Medical & health devices](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/medical-devices)

## Most relevant to

makers and hobbyists

## Mentioned

- Form Labs (company)
- Heidelberg University (company)
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (company)
- University of Cambridge (company)
- Carnegie Mellon (company)
- Neurolink (company)
- HP (company)
- Stratasys (company)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [That SCOOPshow - Season 6, Productronica 2021 - Valentin Storz, Nano Dimension](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2021-11-11-that-scoopshow-season-6-productronica-2021-valentin-storz-nano-dimension) (EMS@C-LEVEL)
- [Ep 305: Caustic Clocks, Practice Bones, and Brick Layers](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2025-01-24-ep-305-caustic-clocks-practice-bones-and-brick-layers) (Hackaday Podcast)
- [Nano Dimension GM Valentin Storz on EMS@C_Level 2022, episode 18](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2022-10-24-nano-dimension-gm-valentin-storz-on-ems-c-level-2022-episode-18) (EMS@C-LEVEL)
- [Ep 217: The Unintentional Space and 3D Printing Episode](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2023-05-05-ep-217-the-unintentional-space-and-3d-printing-episode-eaccf4fe) (Hackaday Podcast)
- [Ep 217: The Unintentional Space and 3D Printing Episode](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2023-05-05-ep-217-the-unintentional-space-and-3d-printing-episode) (Hackaday Podcast)

## Citing this page

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