In the recently published ‘ Incremental solidification (toward 3D-printing) of metal powders by transistor-based microwave applicator ,’ authors Amir Shelef and Eli Jerby explore the potential of a new device for metal printing, using a compact scheme in a nitrogen-shielding environment.

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While techniques such as selective laser-melting (SLM) and electron-beam melting (EBM) are popular for use in 3D metal printing, inert gases such as nitrogen and argon are used to prevent oxidation. Microwave energy is being used for heating of ceramic, as well as in post-processing for 3D printing, metal-powder sintering, joining, and casting and production processes too.

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“The intentional localized-microwave-heating (LMH) instability, utilized in other processes such as microwave drilling and basalt melting, was also proposed and investigated for AM purposes,” stated the researchers. “It was found that LMH may heat up a small batch of metal powder by inducing eddy currents in it, till melting. The microwave […]

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