Rapid prototyping with metals

[unixronin]

Pretty much every geek knows about rapid-prototyping systems using materials such as UV-curing resins.  cymrullewes found a more interesting system this morning.  It operates on the same basic principles, but uses a much higher-powered laser to build up 100% dense metal parts from powdered metals.  The infra-red laser actually fuses, not just sinters, the metal, which can range from low-melting-point alloys and zinc through bronze up to stainless steel, chromium-cobalt alloy, or even titanium.  The system builds up parts in 30μm layers and can create features with as little as 100μm wall thickness, depositing 5cm³ of dense steel per hour, with a surface roughness of 10-30μm.

Comments

[otherbill.livejournal.com]

Ooh. I want one of these for my garage. :-)

[richspk.livejournal.com]

Very cool! We use rapid prototyping (usually stereo lithography) occasionally, so I'll be looking for an opportunity to try this stuff out.

[ilcylic.livejournal.com]

TOY!

-Ogre

[olafthunderfoot.livejournal.com]

how many zeros are in the price?