3D printing has found more acceptance in small-scale projects than in large industrial environments. Challenges such as the slow process and difficulty obtaining consistent finishes have hindered widespread adoption. However, certain sectors such as construction are already seeing tangible results. With advancements in technology, more industries are expected to benefit from 3D printing. The automotive industry, for example, has recently introduced a new steel alloy for 3D printing.
A Revolutionary Technology for 3D Printing Vehicles
Tesla’s factories have implemented a technique similar to producing toy cars for their vehicles. This method involves a metal casting process where molten metal is poured into a mold to create objects. The Giga Press machine, weighing nine thousand tons, has reduced the number of parts required to manufacture the chassis. However, the process requires metal cooling systems and inert gases for faster production and consistent results. Although current parts have a maximum weight of fifty kilograms, the potential of additive 3D printing is being explored.
Inspired by this potential, two MIT students collaborated with an advisor from the University of Paderborn in Germany to develop a new project for printing steel. Their efforts led to the creation of a new steel alloy using a material property calculation system called CALPHAD. By atomizing the alloy into droplets and solidifying them into powder, they were able to use this material for 3D printing. The faster cooling process and improved quality of results from 3D printing allow for the production of more intricate parts. The patented alloy is expected to contribute to the manufacturing of more sustainable electric vehicles.
Exploring New Frontiers in 3D Printing
Recent advancements in 3D printing have introduced innovative techniques using alternative materials such as wood and light:
Laboratory Wood
In addition to the steel alloy, MIT researchers have developed a groundbreaking technology that leverages plant-like growth to create a remarkably robust material. By stimulating the growth of living cells from a plant called zinnia in a gel medium, they aim to produce one-piece furniture using molds.
Printing with Light
A new technology allows resin to solidify faster than traditional additive printing methods by projecting dual beams of light onto a resin for rapid polymerization. The resulting pieces have enhanced durability due to the absence of joints or connection points.
3D Printing with Molecules
Researchers at the Jülich Institute for Quantum Nanoscience are utilizing AI and tunneling microscopes to manipulate and position molecules at a microscopic level. This breakthrough opens avenues for manufacturing molecular transistors with applications in quantum computing.
The possibilities of 3D printing are vast, enabling the production of various structures, food, living organs, and even the colonization of other planets. NASA and private companies are exploring additive printing for constructing structures on celestial bodies like the Moon and Mars. For more insights on 3D printing and technological advancements, subscribe to our newsletter below.
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