RMIT Unveils Groundbreaking Titanium Metamaterial for 3D Printing Revolution

RMIT University has introduced a pioneering metamaterial, crafted from common titanium alloy and tailored for 3D printing, heralding a potential paradigm shift in manufacturing processes.

The university, with its widespread presence across Australia and Vietnam, alongside an industry collaboration hub in Spain, touts the 3D printed ‘metamaterial’ as a game-changer poised to revolutionize manufacturing techniques.

Tests conducted by the research team reveal that the material’s lattice structure design renders it 50% stronger than the next most robust alloy of comparable density utilized in aerospace applications.

Distinguished Professor Ma Qian of RMIT noted that previous attempts to replicate lattice structures in metals were hindered by manufacturability issues and stress concentration within hollow struts, often resulting in premature failures.

Metal 3D printing, however, offers innovative solutions to these challenges, as per the university. By pushing the boundaries of 3D printing capabilities, the RMIT team optimized a novel lattice structure to achieve more uniform stress distribution, enhancing its strength and structural efficiency.

The lattice structure, 3D printed via laser powder bed fusion (LPBF), exhibited remarkable strength compared to existing aerospace alloys, effectively mitigating stress concentration on weak points.

Lead author Jordan Noronha, an RMIT PhD candidate, emphasized the scalability of the structure, noting its suitability for various sizes, from millimeters to meters, using diverse printers.

The material’s printability, combined with its strength, biocompatibility, and resistance to corrosion and heat, positions it as a promising candidate for a myriad of applications, ranging from medical devices to aerospace components.

Furthermore, the material’s resistance to temperatures up to 350°C, with potential for enhancement to withstand temperatures up to 600°C using more heat-resistant titanium alloys, presents vast opportunities, particularly in aerospace and firefighting drone applications.

While acknowledging the current limitations in practical manufacturing processes for intricate metal metamaterials, Noronha expressed optimism about future accessibility and efficiency as technology advances.

RMIT’s Advanced Manufacturing Precinct’s Technical Director, Distinguished Professor Milan Brandt, extended an invitation for collaboration with companies interested in exploring potential applications, emphasizing a collaborative approach to problem-solving and knowledge exchange.

Original source from TCT Magazine