he market for 3D printing products grew
to just over $3 billion in 2013 according to Forbes,
and technology analysts don’t see any sign of it
slowing as manufacturers, researchers, businesses
and the public explore applications for the technology.
Scientists at Ames Laboratory are enthusiastic too,
seeing amazing potential in 3D printing and additive
manufacturing, and they are focusing research toward
further advances.
Ame s Labo r a t o r y r e s e a r che r s ha v e a t t he i r
command four experimental 3D printers that cover a
range of unique capabilities.
“The possibilities in 3D printing are growing,” said Igor
Slowing, Ames Laboratory scientist and adjunct professor
of chemistry at Iowa State University. “And here at the Lab
we have a lot of ideas about how to take this technology
further. The world of 3D printing technology is full of
amazing things right now. We want to be a part of that.”
The Laboratory operates two filament extrusion
printers and a syringe-based injection printer. This
fall, the Laboratory also acquired a laser printer to use
T
photochemical processes for producing three-dimensional
objects. Slowing and his research partner, Ames Laboratory
scientist and Iowa State associate chemistry professor
Aaron Sadow, are also developing a printer capable of
extruding metals with low energy input.
In addition, they expect to leverage the Critical
Materials Institute’s 3D metals printer, which builds
alloys on a substrate via metal powders that are melted by
a laser. Slowing and Sadow also conduct research for the
Critical Materials Institute, an Ames Laboratory-led U.S.
Department of Energy Innovation Hub.
The range of equipment gives Ames Laboratory
scientists the capability to print organic materials as well
as inorganics, such as ceramics and metals.
Slowing said the goal of the research is to develop
processes that will create unique materials and structures
during the printing process, rather than printing pre-
existing materials.
“For instance, currently you can print with plastics,
but depending on the type of printer there are only two or
three options you can use,” said Slowing. “By being able
... the goal of the research is to develop processes that will create unique materials and
structures during the printing process, rather than printing pre-existing materials.
“
”
Igor Slowing
Aaron Sadow
Inqui r y I s sue
2
| 2014
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