Rocket powered 3D metal printer creates parts faster than laser printers

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Quote:

Parts of your car may one day be printed in Darwin, with a world-first 3D printer pumping out bespoke metal parts in a matter of minutes. The machine's creators say they have unlocked the ability to print pieces of copper and aluminium up to 1,000 times faster than existing 3D printers. Co-inventor Steven Camilleri said it was "a bit strange" to finally have the printer up and running after spending more than two years devising the technology. "The technology doesn't sound like it should be real, but it's actually demonstrable," he said. The printer arrived at a research hub at Charles Darwin University this month and is already manufacturing metal parts. It is rocket science After engineers choose from a digital menu of 3D designs, the printer's machinery noisily heats up to 400 degrees Celsius. "Instead of using a laser and heat to melt the metal powder and form the metal part — a very expensive and slow process — we use a rocket engine and deposit metal powders at extremely high velocity," Mr Camilleri said.

This being Australia where it was invented I am just waiting for the technology to be sold overseas for a pittance.

via International Skeptics Forum http://ift.tt/2xWxPfc