The researchers at the Centre for Nano Science and Engineering in the Bengaluru based Indian Institute of Science have developed a low cost, on demand printing technique. This new technique replaces the nozzles of an inkjet printer with a mesh covered chemically treated nano wires that repel water.

Because of the short contact time of the impacting droplet with the mesh, the chances of clogging the pore are minimised. The mesh can also be easily cleaned and reused. This is useful for 3D printing of living cells, ceramic materials, electronic circuits and machine components.

The Associate Professor in the Centre for Nano Science, Prosenjit Sen says that the new technique reduces the operational cost of the printer.  The PhD student in the Centre, Chandantaru Dey Modak says that the capability to print a wide range of droplet sizes while using this application makes the new technique of printing unique.