Using cutting-edge X-ray techniques, scientists have unlocked a major breakthrough in 3D printing by successfully producing 17-4 PH stainless steel with exceptional strength and durability.
17-4 PH stainless steel is a special type of stainless steel known for its toughness, thanks to a unique composition that includes around 17% chromium and 4% nickel, along with small amounts of copper. This composition gives it superior resistance to corrosion and makes it a reliable choice for demanding applications.
This advancement is set to make manufacturing more affordable and adaptable, with significant benefits for producing complex materials. Traditionally, 3D printing metals like stainless steel has been challenging, as rapid heating and cooling during printing often weaken the metal’s structure. By using powerful X-ray beams to observe these fast changes, researchers could adjust the material’s chemistry in real time, resulting in a final product that’s much stronger and more durable.
Valued for its strength and resistance to corrosion, 17-4 PH stainless steel is widely used in aerospace applications, industrial machinery, marine equipment, aircraft, and even medical devices. With this new approach, manufacturers can expect reduced costs and greater flexibility, potentially expanding 3D printing’s impact on industries that rely on high-performance materials.
In fact, the techniques developed in this research could help scientists understand how to 3D print a wider range of materials with enhanced durability and performance, making this an exciting development for the future of advanced manufacturing.
We don't 3D print at DSM, because everything is produced by hand, like our Stainless Steel Worktops... which would actually be perfect for a space station on the surface of Mars. Did you know that Einstein developed a theory about space? And it was about time too.