Weekly Progress Reports

March 14

Work:

- Researching different printer methodologies (i.e., piezoelectric vs thermal drop-on-demand)

- Attempted contact with T. Boland and other leaders in the cell printing field

Risks identified:

- Determining an existing printing platform on which to actually build the device will be difficult

- Key considerations include:

      - How easy will this printer sync with my computer?
      - How accessible are the printer drivers?
      - Which printer is the least sensitive to having components removed or altered?

* March 21

Work:

- Confirmed the Canon BubbleJet 2100 printer as first platform to attempt construction; reasons include:

      - T. Boland et al. have had success with altering this system for biological samples
      - Claims that the printer drivers are accessible and modifiable 
      - Lack of filtration system (older printers do not have fine filters for ink clumps as many new printers do)
      - Easy mechanism to modify (BJC2100 has one simple paper feed drive)

- Printer ordered from Ebay; due to arrive within one week

Risks identified:

- Ebay listing described the printer as "for parts" so it may not be completely functional (fingers crossed!)

- Spring Break is putting a slight delay on things...

* March 28

Work:

Next steps: Risks identified: