Three-dimensional (3D) printing is a powerful tool that enables the printing of almost unlimited geometry in a few hours, from a virtual design to a real structure. In this paper, we present a micro-electromechanical energy harvester that utilized a 3D printed micromechanical structure combined with a miniature permanent magnet and a microelectronic coil towards a hybrid electromagnetic vibrational hybrid energy harvester. Various micromechanical structure geometries were designed, printed, and tested. The characteristic dimensions of the springs were from 200 μm to 400 μm and the total volume of the devices was below 1 cm³. The resonant frequencies (95–340 Hz range), as well as bandwidths (6–23 Hz range), for the developed prototypes were determined. The maximal generated output power was almost 24 μW with a power density up to almost 600 μW/cm³.

In this paper we present a 3D printed flow meter based on venturri effect. Dimensions of the microchannels are 800 µm for wider and 400 µm for thinker channel. Application of different type of sensors was investigated: differential, absolute and digital barometer. Results of measurement of differential pressure and calculation of liquid flow are shown. Presented microfluidics device can be also easy adapted for modular systems. Presented flow meter is the first integration of commercial available sensors and 3D printed microfluidics structure in a single chip.

Multi-frequency operation is an interesting and desired feature of electromagnetic energy harvesters. This work presents results of investigations on an inkjet 3D-printed miniature multi-frequency electromagnetic energy harvester. Vibrating microstructures utilizing springs with constant thickness (300 μm) and widths from 220 to 500 μm were designed, fabricated, and characterized as parts of the miniature energy harvester. Resonant frequencies of the microstructures were measured, and electrical parameters of the harvester were determined. The harvesters operated in the 85–185 Hz frequency range with 32 µW maximal output power. Thanks to flexibility in designing and fabrication by 3D printing, it was possible to develop an energy harvester with at least two operating frequencies within a single harvester structure in many possible two-frequency configurations.

In this paper, an autonomous payload proposal for a nanosatellite mission allowing for the cultivation of grains in space was presented. For the first time, a micropot made with 3D printing technology, enabling the parametric determination of plant growth, both on Earth and in the simulated microgravity condition, was presented. A completed system for dosing the nutrient solution and observing the growth of a single grain, where the whole size did not exceed 70 × 50 × 40 mm³, was shown. The cultivation of Lepidium sativum seeds was carried out in the developed system, in terrestrial conditions and simulated microgravity conditions, using the RPM (Random Position Machine) device. The differences in plant growth depending on the environment were observed. It could be seen that the grains grown in simulated microgravity took longer to reach the full development stage of the plant. At the same time, fewer grains reached this stage and only remained at the earlier stages of growth. The conducted research allowed for the presentation of the payload concept for a 3U CubeSat satellite for research into the development of plants in space.

In this paper we present a results of fabrication of 3D printed micropot with integrated cantilever-like force sensor. Different thickness cantilevers was used. Presented micropot was use for characterization of grow Lepidium sativium.