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MIT Develops Rapid 3D Printing Technique with Liquid Metal

Liquid Metal Printing Can Produce Large-Scale Parts in Minutes, Aiming for Further Refinements

Overview

  • MIT researchers have developed a new additive manufacturing technique called Liquid Metal Printing (LMP) that can rapidly 3D print large-scale parts like table legs and chair frames in minutes.
  • LMP involves depositing molten aluminum along a predefined path into a bed of tiny glass beads, which quickly harden into a 3D structure.
  • The technique is at least 10 times faster than comparable metal additive manufacturing processes, but sacrifices resolution for speed and scale.
  • Parts produced with LMP would be suitable for some applications in architecture, construction, and industrial design, where components of larger structures often don’t require extremely fine details.
  • The researchers aim to refine the machine further to ensure consistent heating in the nozzle to prevent material from sticking and achieve better control over the flow of molten material.