Metal 3D Printing Gets Really Fast (and Really Ugly)
Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have unveiled Liquid Metal Printing (LMP), a groundbreaking technique capable of rapidly producing furniture-sized metal frames. This innovative method involves heating aluminum in a graphite crucible, then gravity-feeding the molten metal through a ceramic nozzle onto a bed of tiny glass beads. The beads serve as both a print bed and support structure, facilitating rapid cooling without compromising surface quality.
While LMP offers impressive speed and scalability, it comes at the cost of resolution. However, the MIT team envisions future advancements, including the ability to utilize recycled aluminum for printing. This potential development holds significant promise for revolutionizing manufacturing processes by introducing sustainable practices.
The appearance of the printed metal brings to mind CandyFab, a pioneering 3D printing technology developed by Windell Oskay and Lenore Edman at Evil Mad Scientist. Although CandyFab utilized a different approach, melting sugar with hot air layer by layer, the resulting aesthetic bears similarities to LMP-produced parts. Despite any cosmetic concerns, the practical utility and efficiency of LMP underscore its transformative potential in the field of metal fabrication.
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