Graphene Adds More Possibilities to 3D Printing Technology
American Graphite Technologies, Inc. realized higher share prices last week following its announcement of receiving the abstract for its P-600 Project. The project will explore the possibilities of using the carbon-based graphene as a material in 3D printing technology.
The abstract was received from Mr. D.V. Vynogradov who is the project manager for the Ukraine-based Institute of Physics and Technology. The project represents a joint effort by the two entities in developing this printing technology for use with graphene.
Graphene holds much promise for the future of 3D printing because of its strength, flexibility, and conductive properties thus making it a possibility for use in a large array of products and applications.
The material is derived from graphite which has many uses such as pencil lead. Graphene has the characteristic of being a single layer with a thickness of one atom.
Like diamond, graphite is referred to as a carbon allotrope and its derivative graphene possesses a hardness property exceeding diamond. It is currently the hardest material known and has conductive properties that exceed those of silicon. Yet with its hardness, it can still be used in flexible applications.
Although a layer of graphene is extremely thin, it has strength that American Graphite Technologies claims to be 200 times stronger than steel. It possesses other attractive properties as well to include flexibility and transparency.
Scientists see graphene as holding tremendous potential for use in 3D printers. Currently, applications for these printers are for mostly rapid prototyping and use layering techniques with plastic-like powder or liquid polymer.
The current technology allows the 3D printing of items that are non-conductive in nature and lacks the durability needed for components that are subjected to extreme stress. For example, some are experimenting with creating parts for weapons however these components are short-lived because of the stresses during firing.
Scientists hope that their research will provide answers to making graphene a material that can be used both commercially and domestically. They also envision being able to print electronic components, computers, and other devices that need to be lightweight, strong, flexible, and have conductivity.
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I’d just like to clarify something about American Graphite and the stock jump related to sending of the abstract. American Graphite has not shown any graphite on its property, nor does it employ people who have much experience with graphene, nor has it shown any graphite or graphene product – ever. Mr. Vynogradov is an Advisory Board member of the company, which means that the abstract is something that has been sent internally from one person in the company to another. An abstract for a project is just one paragraph, outlining an idea for a project. Once you make an abstract, you first need to write a (usually much longer and much more detailed) project proposal, then submit the proposal to some agency that will consider it, among other projects, for certain funding. This news report does not even tell us where the project proposal would be submitted, and how much the expected funding will be. In short, this is news about nothing, and investors should exercise care and wait until there is at least some evidence of this company doing anything real.