Researchers have developed 3D printing micro trusses stronger than steel

A group of German scientists have used 3D laser lithography to print microscopic trusses and parts that are as strong as steel and lighter in weight than water.

The aim of the research is to create materials that are much stronger than those currently being produced, but light enough for use in products such as aircraft or armor.

The use of 3D laser lithography makes it possible to produce almost arbitrary structures with submicron resolution. The strengths of these structures are comparable to those of advanced metal alloys or technical ceramics.

Cellular structures, like the ceramics and polymers of a composite material, are only about 50 nanometers thick (a nanometer is equal to one billionth of a meter). To have an idea of ​​how small these microarchitectures are, it is believed that the thickness of a human hair is around 80,000 to 100,000 nanometers.

Scientists drew their inspiration from nature, which creates materials that are much stronger, but less dense than those obtained in the laboratory. For example, natural cellular materials such as bone and wood, which are strong and yet significantly less dense than aluminum alloys.

The team used a 3D printer from Nanoscribe GmbH to create nanostructures that will enable super-durable materials in the future.

The German team recently published a paper on their research carried out at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology in Germany. The article says: "Polymer composites exceed in strength-to-weight ratio all engineering materials with a density below 1000 kg /m".