Manufacturing at small scale leveraging micro robotic assembly

Guest Speaker: Assoc.Prof. Changhong Cao, McGill University, Canada

Inviter: Prof. Kehang Cui

Date&Time: Friday, 26th Jun. 10:30-12:00

Venue: Yiucheng Lecture Hall (500), Xu Zuyao Building

Biography:

Dr. Cao is an Associate Professor and Canada Research Chair (Tier 2) in small-scale materials and manufacturing, in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at McGill University. He earned his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Toronto and was a postdoctoral fellow at MIT before joining McGill. His research interests include N/MEMS, transfer printing technologies, experimental nanomechanics of advanced structures, and the development of new additive manufacturing mechanisms. He has been recognized with the Young Leaders Award and Young Leaders International Award from TMS, the Young Scientist Award from Springer Nature, and Stony Brook University 40 under 40.

Abstract:

This talk presents two complementary platforms addressing persistent challenges in DIW 3D printing. 3D Necroprinting explores the use of biological structures—mosquito proboscises—as functional printing nozzles. The proboscis achieves ~20 micrometer printing resolution, approaching capabilities typically reserved for expensive specialized equipment. We characterize its mechanical performance, establish operational guidelines, and demonstrate feasibility for bioprinting applications with encouraging cell viability results. Binder Spraying Additive Manufacturing (BSAM) enables support-free printing of complex geometries through rapid interfacial polymerization. By combining controlled gelation with instantaneous in-situ polymer formation, we fabricate freestanding structures—overhangs, internal voids, and intricate lattices—without auxiliary supports. The platform accommodates diverse materials: organic, ceramic, and metal nanocomposites with tunable mechanical properties. Together, these approaches demonstrate how mechanicsinformed design and chemistry can address practical manufacturing limitations.