3D-Printing with Metallic Inks

May-20-16 A new 3D printing ink featuring silver nanoparticles enables users to print tiny metal objects in mid-air.

Developed by a team from Harvard’s Wyss Institute, the nanosilver ink begins as a gel that is extruded though a nozzle moving along x, y, and z axes. As the ink leaves the nozzle, it is subjected almost immediately to a laser that causes it to solidify, creating a free-standing, conductive structure made of nanowires thinner than a human hair.

According to the team, finding the ideal spacing between the nozzle and laser was key in creating the technology, since a nozzle that is too close would cause the ink to solidify in the printer nozzle.

More Info about this Invention:

[GIZMAG.COM]
[NEWS.HARVARD.EDU]

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