In a groundbreaking achievement, scientists from Australia have unveiled a revolutionary titanium structure created through 3D printing with a strength that surpasses the strongest allocated alloys by 50%. The research team from the University of RMIT utilized laser sintering of powder to develop this “supernatural” strength material, opening up new possibilities for its application in the aerospace industry and medicine.
Merging elements of metals or plastics to create metamaterials has enabled properties that go beyond those found in natural materials, thanks to innovative approaches in their development. Inspired by natural structures like corals and stems of lilies, Australian scientists focused on enhancing lattice structures, balancing strength with lightness.
Professor Ma Qian and his team designed a tubular lattice structure with a thin inner strip to evenly distribute tension and prevent weak points where stress typically concentrates. This novel approach showcases a blend of strength and lightness that surpasses what natural materials can offer.
The metamaterial was made possible through 3D printing using laser sintering of powder, where layers of metal powder are melted by a high-power laser beam. This method not only results in exceptional material strength but also enhances accessibility through 3D printing, albeit requiring specialized equipment initially.
A study published in the journal Advanced Materials revealed that the titanium lattice cubic structure produced using this technology is 50% stronger than the We54 alloy, currently the strongest known alloy widely used in the aerospace industry. The research team aims to further enhance the metamaterial, pushing its temperature limit to 600 degrees Celsius and expanding its potential applications.
This development marks a significant advancement in the production of metal metamaterials, presenting new opportunities for the aerospace industry and medical field with its unique combination of strength, lightness, and enhanced production accessibility. This breakthrough stands as a significant contribution to the realm of science and technology.