NASA develops hybrid 3D printing technology to print multiple alloys or metals

Scientists at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory have recently developed a new 3D printing technology that can mix and print a variety of metals or alloys on one component and solve long-term manufacturing of aircraft, especially spacecraft components. There is a big problem in the middle. In addition to tailor-made components, the technology can also be used to study a variety of potential alloys, the researchers said, the new research is expected to greatly change the material science. Related papers are published in the "Science Report" magazine.

3D printing technology is in the ascendant and can be used to create everything from glasses to implantable medical devices without the need for molds and welding. People simply enter model data into a computer to get what they want. However, the manufacture of spacecraft parts earlier this time was not so easy. Engineers often need to customize a variety of complex parts that have special requirements (such as using multiple different metals on the same part). Traditional 3D printing technology simply cannot meet this requirement.

For example, one part must have high temperature resistance on one side and low density on the other; or it can only have magnetism on one side. These parts were previously manufactured only by welding. They were then manufactured separately and then welded together. However, the welds are naturally flawed, easily embrittled, and can easily cause parts to collapse under high-strength pressure.

The Physicist Organization Network reported on July 30th that since 2010, scientists at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory have been trying to solve this problem. Douglas Hoffman, a materials and metallurgical expert at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, said: “We are doing a standard 3D printing process that allows new technologies to be compatible with different metal powders to facilitate the manufacture of aircraft. With this technology, you can continuously Changing the composition of materials. Future space missions can use components made from this technology in combination. Designers and manufacturers of the automotive industry and the commercial aviation industry will soon find that this technology is equally valuable to them."

R. Pete Dillon, a technical expert at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, said: "With this new 3D printing technology, you can smoothly transition from one alloy to another alloy. In addition, you can use it to study various potential Alloy. We think this technology will make a big difference in material technology in the future."

Dillon's colleague and mechanical engineer John Paul Bigine said: “Although gradient alloys have been developed and created in past research, it is the first time that these complex materials have been made into real parts. ”