Ultrasound improves strength of 3D-printed titanium alloys

A research team from RMIT University (Melbourne, Australia) has found that ultrasound can improve the consistency, tensile strength and yield stress of 3D-printed titanium alloys, often used in biomechanical implants. Researchers from RMIT University (Melbourne, Australia) have reported using sound vibrations during 3D printing to 'shake' metal alloys into tighter formations. Published in Nature Communications, the team explains how high frequency sound waves were shown to affect the inner micro-structure of 3D-printed alloys, improving consistency, tensile strength and yield stress by up to 12% when compared to their conventionally 3D printed counterparts. If you look at the microscopic structure of...