Additive manufacturing, or 3D printing, has become a powerful tool for scientists and artists, enabling the creation of complex geometries with which traditional methods struggle. While many are familiar with plastic 3D printing, metal 3D printing using infrared lasers is gaining traction for applications like hip implants and electric vehicles.
Ottman A. Tertuliano, AMA Family Assistant Professor in Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics (MEAM), Luc Capaldi, MEAM doctoral student, and researchers at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory have achieved a significant breakthrough in metal 3D printing. The group introduced nanoscale grooves to metal powders like copper and tungsten, which boosted the materials’ ability to absorb laser energy.
This advancement leads to more efficient and precise printing, unlocking new possibilities for manufacturing reflective and high-melting-point metals.