Researchers from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have discovered special atomic patterns, called quasicrystals, which increase the strength of 3D-printed aluminum alloys. This discovery makes it possible to use these alloys in lightweight, high-strength objects such as airplane parts. Challenges of 3D-Printing Aluminum In the powder bed fusion method of 3D printing, […]
Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, Magnesium Research Center (MRC) of Kumamoto University, TOHO Kinzoku Co., Ltd., and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) worked together to develop the first high-precision additive manufacturing (AM) technology for magnesium alloys in a wire-laser metal 3D printer using the direct energy deposition (DED) method. This technology will enable the production of […]
Researchers at RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia, developed a new 3D-printed metamaterial (an artificial material with unique properties not observed in nature) from a common titanium alloy. The metamaterial is said to achieve a level of strength to weight that is not available in current manufacturing. It is expected to be used in a wide […]
Airbus Helicopters opened a new 3D printing centre at its site in Donauwörth, Germany. The company now operates three machines for components made of titanium, four for plastic parts, and — as a new element — a machine that can produce components made of aluminum. The additive manufacturing process allows for serial products of components, […]
NASA recently built and tested an additively manufactured rocket engine nozzle made of aluminum as part of the Reactive Additive Manufacturing for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (RAMFIRE) project. By implementing 3D printing, the innovative design is able to be comprised of a single piece, which reduces manufacturing time and makes the nozzle lighter than conventional […]
The team of developers at software pioneer CoreTechnologie have developed an inexpensive and super-light bicycle made from 3D-printed aluminum components and standard carbon tubes. The development demonstrates how complex everyday objects can be produced quickly, easily, and cost-effectively using 3D printing technologies. The fully functional singlespeed version of the bike weighs just 7.1 kg ready […]
FABTECH, North America’s largest metal forming, fabricating, welding, and finishing event will take place at McCormick Place, September 11-14, 2023. The event provides a convenient “one-stop shop” venue, where attendees can meet with world-class suppliers, see the latest industry products and developments, and find the tools to improve productivity, increase profits, and discover new solutions […]
Airbus and Oerlikon AM have successfully industrialized the additive manufacturing (AM) process for complex serial production of 3D-printed aluminum components. These antenna clusters will be used in communication satellites, which will soon be orbiting the earth. This achievement has resulted in a €3.8 million contract to additively manufacture these satellite components. Advanced technologies like additive manufacturing […]
Editor’s Note: Part II supplements the International Patent Calendar published in October 2021 on “Additive Manufacturing of Light Metals.” This second version covers selected U.S. patents on the subject that were published more recently. The rapid pace of invention in additive manufacturing (AM) worldwide is due not only to the rapid prototyping of complex shapes […]
