When engineers 3D-print metal objects, they use metals originally developed for conventional manufacturing. It works, but not as well as it could. Two UArizona experts are using a new suite of equipment to develop alloys optimized for both 3D printing and hypersonic flight.
When engineers 3D-print metal objects, they use metals originally developed for conventional manufacturing processes. It's a bit like trying to use papyrus in a paper printer – it works, but not as well as it could. Two University of Arizona engineers are using a new suite of equipment to develop alloys optimized to undergo both 3D printing and hypersonic flight.