Researchers Used a Dual Variety of Steel in a Single 3D Printed Layer

Engineers at Washington State University have drawn inspiration from the intricate structure of trees and bones to devise a technique that enables the 3D printing of two different types of steel within a single circular layer. This groundbreaking approach results in the creation of a bimetallic material that exhibits a remarkable strength increase of 33 to 42 percent compared to using metal alone.

The institution recently issued a press release, highlighting the significant potential of this method. What sets it apart is the utilization of readily available and cost-effective tools, making it highly convenient for manufacturers and repair shops to adopt in the near future.

Amit Bandyopadhyay, the senior author of the study, emphasized the wide-ranging applications of this development, including the production of high-performance medical implants and even components for space travel.

Amit Bandyopadhyay

According to Amit Bandyopadhyay, a professor in WSU’s School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, the newly developed method holds immense potential due to its wide-ranging applications. By combining a hard material and a soft material in a simultaneous manner, this technique allows for expanded design possibilities and opens up opportunities for various industries involved in welding.

The inspiration for this innovation originated from observing the strength derived from the interaction of layered rings in natural structures like trees and bones. Experimental tests conducted on the resulting material demonstrated superior strength when compared to stainless steel or mild steel individually.

Additionally, this new method overcomes a previous challenge in 3D printing with multiple metals, which involved stopping and changing metal wires. With the new technique, this interruption is eliminated as welders can combine multiple metals within the same layer while the metals are still in a hot state.

Revolutionizing Metal Deposition

“This technique represents a departure from what has been previously achievable by depositing metals in a circular pattern rather than a straight line,” stated Lile Squires, the first author of the study and a doctoral student in mechanical engineering at WSU. “By adopting a circular approach, one material can effectively embrace the other, which is not possible when printing in a linear or layered fashion.”

The potential applications of this method in the field of medical manufacturing are particularly promising. For instance, it could be used to print joint replacements with a robust titanium exterior and an inner material like magnetic steel with healing properties.

Furthermore, in the realm of space structures, it could enable the incorporation of a high-temperature resistant material surrounding an inner material that possesses cooling properties, thereby aiding in maintaining a consistent temperature.

Bandyopadhyay added, “This concept empowers welders to print using multiple materials within the same layer, offering advantages through their combination. Moreover, the potential goes beyond just two materials—it can be further expanded.”

The findings of this study have been published in the journal Nature Communications, solidifying the significance of this breakthrough.

Read the original article on Interesting Engineering.

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