NanoVoxel: Taking tiny 3D printing to the next level

Discover how NanoVoxel’s advanced technology is transforming micro-manufacturing, from creating intricate micro-parts to prototyping and mass production for those working in the medical world and tech sector.


Apple   Spotify   Google   RSS  

Introduction

Today, we're diving into the groundbreaking world of nano voxel, a company specializing in two photon polymerization, 3d printing technology, or in other words, 3d printing in miniature. They aim to transform micromanufacturing by replicating parts into silicon molds with unmatched precision. Our producer Aaron visited Nanovoxel's state of the art facilities to meet founder Domenico Foglia. Hear how their incredible feats of micromanufacturing can create a baby Yoda the size of a grain of sand, or an entire castle crafted on a pencil tip.

Who are NanoVoxel

NanoVoxel was born in May 2022 with a clear vision: to improve people's lives by breaking down innovation barriers in industrial miniaturization. They are the first all-in-one service provider for industrially manufactured micro parts using micro 3d printing technology, and they describe themselves as the “sharpest micro-manufacturing company on the market”. NanoVoxel is able to produce plastic parts and components with resolutions in the micro, and even nanometer range from prototypes to series production. “…this is what's very exciting here is that we are doing stuff that no one else worldwide is able to do.”

Precision at a Microscopic Scale

Nanovoxel use a mixture of 3D Printing, micro injection molding and cavity manufacturing to produce parts with microscopic precision. Domenico showed our producer Aaron one of the machines they use to achieve such minute detail. “This is the two-photon polymerization machine. This machine is from the company up nano, which is in the same building as us. (They are) our partner company. We do microfluidics, micro needles, micro nozzles. We create micro parts for mechanicals like micro gears, or for example, there is a strong interest from a different customer in terms of endoscopes because they're getting smaller and smaller to be less invasive inside the body. You can see it's the slide is opening and now what we have to do is load a substrate, it's put on the top and it's emerged then in a photopolymer…when light is hitting it, it's polymerizing and hardens.”

The Impact of Nanovoxel’s Work on Future Technology

Domenico talked about the broader implications of Nanovoxel's innovations, particularly in medical technology. “One of the most exciting things that we are doing at Nanovoxel is impacting the future life of the people. We are working on microneedles; we are working on new endoscopes which can do analysis of veins because they are so small that they can fit inside. They can go up to brains or inside the heart. I have a clear view of the impact that we are having in this world. Of course, we're not that credible yet because it's a tiny startup. We have to demonstrate people, we are expanding, scaling up. We are in the middle of the “go to market” process. And we have the luck that we're a special startup because we do not need five years or 10 years to go to the market like a lot of medical devices company do.

Onshape's Role in Facilitating Nanovoxel's Innovations

Onshape is the first and only cloud-native product development platform that delivers professional-grade CAD capabilities with next-generation product data management (PDM), powering agile design processes at lower costs. Jon Hirschtick from PTC explains how Onshape's cloud-native CAD platform supports Nanovoxel's design and manufacturing processes: “Nanovoxel, they needed a cloud native flexible solution that would both minimize their IT investment costs and facilitate remote collaboration. Onshape was chosen for its cloud native features. We enable simultaneous editing, real time feedback, efficient collaboration and reduced design time were essential for maintaining productivity and meeting a whole bunch of diverse needs.”

Credits

Thanks to Jon for giving us an insight into Onshape and our guest Domenico for showing us firsthand how NanoVoxel's cutting-edge 3D printing technology is transforming industries and our producer for Aaron for taking us on the tour with him.

Please rate, review and subscribe to our bi-weekly Third Angle episodes wherever you listen to your podcasts and follow PTC on LinkedIn and X for future episodes.

This is an 18Sixty production for PTC. Executive producer is Jacqui Cook. Sound design and editing by Rema Mukena. Location recording by Aaron Olsacher. And music by Rowan Bishop.

Episode guests

Domenico Foglia, Founder and CEO at NanoVoxel

More About NanoVoxel

Jon Hirschtick, EVP at PTC

More about Onshape
overlaycontent