Researchers Restore Coral Reefs with 3D Printing

Researchers from the Israel Institute of Technology and Bar-Ilan University are jointly creating a system for the restoration of coral reefs around the world using 3D printing. So they can make artificial coral structures that are not susceptible to changes in the environment and water temperature.

Coral reef systems are constantly being destroyed around the world. New technology currently used on the coast of Eilat in Israel will help restore the diversity of underwater ecosystems by introducing industrial facilities into systems that become incapable of regeneration.

Coral reefs disappear for many reasons caused by both natural and man-made causes. Mainly due to overheating of water as a result of climate change that reach the reefs.

Printed 3D reefs can mimic the natural forms that attract various species of fish, which will use these artificial structures as their habitats.

The 3D printer uses polylactic acid, a biodegradable and biologically active bioplastics from corn, cassava or sugarcane. For coral production, the printer is installed in water.

hightech.fm