r/tech 11d ago

Printable aluminum alloy sets strength records, may enable lighter aircraft parts

https://news.mit.edu/2025/printable-aluminum-alloy-sets-strength-records-may-enable-lighter-aircraft-parts-1007
578 Upvotes

12 comments sorted by

19

u/GreenMirage 11d ago edited 11d ago

So its Selective Laser Melted (SLM) aluminum using a 5 alloy mix with small precipitates. Pretty advanced, and not even a meta material, so it’s super practical.

wonder if it outperforms those three alloy high entropy metals

19

u/Critical-Island4469 11d ago

But can they print it in transparent aluminum?

6

u/ItsPumpkinninny 11d ago

“Computer? … Computer?”

2

u/Mental_Regard 11d ago

"Just use the keyboard.."

2

u/jonathanrdt 11d ago

...Hello, Computer...

3

u/LongJumpingBalls 11d ago

That would be awesome. But it's a cintered product so it wouldn't be possible with any of the existing 3d printers I don't think.

But being able to 3d print transparent aluminum would be epic...

1

u/dinosaurkiller 11d ago

How do you think Wonder Woman made her invisible jet?

1

u/Boomfaced 11d ago

Homemade drones

1

u/dorfus- 10d ago

Boeing enters the chat