Russian scientists have obtained a magnetic alloy from non-magnetic metal components using 3D printing

A joint group of Russian scientists, assembled from representatives of Skoltech, Belgorod State National University, as well as NRC "Kurchatovsky institute ”thanks to the use of a 3D printer, they were able to obtain an alloy of two components, the ratio of which was constantly changing in different parts of the printed part.

As a result of such manipulations, a magnetic material was obtained from non-magnetic components.

3D printing and its current capabilities

More recently, 3D printing technology itself was perceived as an innovative opportunity to quickly create prototypes of various products. Well, already at the moment, 3D printers are moving from laboratories to factories and provide full-fledged technological production of parts.

Already now, using 3D printing, various parts are obtained for the aviation industry, for medicine, jewelry, etc.

This is because 3D printing has one very significant advantage. Indeed, with the help of this technology, it is possible to obtain objects of complex design very easily with minimal waste, which cannot be done using traditional methods.

However, until now, 3D printing has had a significant limitation. The object was often made from a homogeneous mixture. If it were possible to print materials with variable composition, it would be a real breakthrough, and it seems that Russian scientists have found a way to create just such details.

New technology and its prospects and theoretical explanation

To carry out the experiment, the scientists decided to use two components:

1. Aluminum bronze (copper, aluminum and iron).

2. Austenitic stainless steel (iron, chromium, nickel and other impurities).

It should be noted that both of these components are paramagnets, that is, they are not magnetised. But if you mix them, you can get a "soft magnetic material" ferromagnet, which is already perfectly attracted by magnets.

So, in order to fuse these two powders, it was decided to use an InssTek MX-1000 3D printer, which works on the principle of material deposition through the use of a narrowly directed laser beam. That is, in the process of work, powder is supplied and at the same time a powerful laser melts it.

In this case, during feeding, the ratio of the components can be changed, due to which the ferromagnetic properties of the material obtained can be manipulated.

Scientists have also proposed the following theoretical justification for the observed process:

Since both materials used have a face-centered cubic structure, then performing them combination, the result is a volumetric centered cubic structure, which just possesses magnetic properties.

Scientists note that alloys created in such an unusual way can find their application, for example, in the production of electric motors. And the success of the work done also shows that using this method, it is quite possible to create new materials with unique properties and increased efficiency.

Scientists have shared the results of the work already done on the pages of The Journal of Materials Processing Technology.

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