A new breakthrough has come through! The European Space Agency’s (ESA) Amaze project is bringing together 28 institutions to help develop new metal components which are lighter, stronger and cheaper than standard parts. However, the true breakthrough is the fact that they want it done by 3D printing. This is huge because the only thing 3D printers could originally print were plastic objects, but soon you may be able to create metal parts using 3D printing for just about anything, including cars, satellites etc. There are so many advantages to this, but also some pitfalls..
If you read the last issue of the Iron Warrior, there was a PCP done on the issues of regulating 3D printers. It was stated that 3D printers can be used for recreational use but it also has dangerous implications like the creation of weapons and forged goods. The only way for such implications to exist was if 3D printers were able to print metal, and soon they may be able to. However, the metal being printed is made from special materials that can utilize such a printer. There are advantages with this technology. Essentially everything in life will be more cost efficient.
There is still one issue with this printing however. There is still porosity in the metals or small air bubbles. This is an issue because if the objects are used in important equipment such as planes or spacecraft, the porosity can cause unforeseen damages and could harm the lives of many innocent civilians who use may use devices created from a printer like this. The technology is in its infancy, but all it needs is a bit more time before this technique to be perfected and brought out into the commercial industry.
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