액체 금속 프린팅이 제조 및 디자인 분야에서 ‘생산적인 힘’이 될 수 있다

Additive manufacturing – commonly referred to as 3D printing – has long been a tantalizing technology due to its 수많은 산업을 앞당길 잠재력 (e.g., semiconductors, scientific equipment, housing, etc.).  This potential has finally reached a tipping point in the last few years as it transitions into reality.  The latest example of this comes from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where a team of researchers has recently unveiled a new additive manufacturing technique called 액체 금속 프린팅 (LMP).

액체 금속 프린팅이란 무엇인가?

This new technique, Liquid Metal Printing (LMP), is a specific type of additive manufacturing involving molten metal.  This process involves,

1. 미리 정의된 툴패스를 생성합니다.
2. 알루미늄과 같은 금속을 용해점 바로 위의 온도로 가열하고, 용광로가 장착된 도가니 안에서 유지합니다.
3. 도가니에 연결된 중력 공급식 제어 노즐을 통해 툴패스에 따라 용융 금속을 분배합니다.

It is important to note that the team of researchers behind this technique acknowledges that “액체 금속 프린팅은 개념적으로 자유형 주조와 유사합니다. 여기서는 대량의 금속을 녹여 미리 정의된 툴패스를 따라 빠르게 분배하여 3D 형태를 제작합니다.”  The difference is that this process is quicker, provides a much higher degree of control, and allows for more complex shapes and structures to be made.

필요성이 있는가?

Plenty of novel approaches to existing processes and techniques in industry are constantly being developed.  However, not all have a reason good enough for adoption.  With LMP, the team of researchers behind its refinement believe otherwise.  First, they clearly identify a lingering issue.

“현재 금속 적층 기술의 상태는 높은 가공 비용, 낮은 생산 속도, 그리고 규모 확대가 어려운 구축 환경을 동반합니다”

Keeping those limitations in mind, the team believes that LMP can address each.

“다양한 금속 적층 기술이 가지고 있는 현재의 제한을 극복하기 위해, 우리는 구조 부품을 빠르게 프린팅할 수 있는 확장 가능하고 비용 효율적인 기술인 LMP를 제안합니다. 액체 금속 프린팅은 작은, 느린, 고해상도 부품에서 큰, 빠른, 중간 해상도 구조 부재로 전환함으로써 건축 분야에서 금속 프린팅의 새로운 패러다임을 제공합니다.”

If correct in their belief for LMP to address lingering issues involving metal additive techniques, the team envisions a future in which scrap aluminum can be given a purpose, as it will be melted down and used to print components for large-scale structures.

액체 금속 프린팅(LMP)의 주요 잠재 수혜자

Additive manufacturing has evolved by leaps and bounds over the past few years.  LMP now represents a viable path forward for leveraging technology on a larger scale and by different industries (i.e., Aerospace).  While none of the companies listed below have formally adopted LMP, each boasts Aerospace divisions that could benefit from such an approach one day.

*아래 제공된 수치는 작성 시점에 정확했으며 변동될 수 있습니다. 잠재적 투자자는 지표를 확인해야 합니다*

1.  General Electric

GE 가격 차트

The integration of Liquid Metal Printing (LMP) technology presents a significant opportunity for advancement in manufacturing efficiency and innovation, particularly in GE’s Aviation and Power sectors.

By adopting LMP, GE could revolutionize the production of complex metal components, leading to potential cost reductions and accelerated production timelines.  This could be especially beneficial in the production of jet engine parts, where LMP’s capability to rapidly prototype and produce high-quality, intricate metal parts aligns well with GE’s commitment to leading-edge technology and efficiency in aerospace manufacturing.

2. Boeing

BA 가격 차트

Investors looking at the future of aerospace manufacturing should recognize LMP’s ability to create complex, lightweight metal structures.  Like General Electric (GE.TO ), its adoption could rapidly transform Boeing’s production process – particularly in manufacturing aircraft components where weight and strength are critical factors.

This advancement would not only streamline Boeing’s such processes but also potentially lead to the development of more efficient and environmentally friendly aircraft, aligning with the growing demand for sustainable aviation solutions.

3. Honeywell International Inc.

HON 가격 차트

For Honeywell International (HON ), incorporating LMP technology into its manufacturing repertoire could yield significant benefits, particularly in its aerospace division and performance materials sector.  The adoption of LMP could lead to more efficient production processes for aerospace components, enhancing Honeywell’s competitiveness in this market alongside others like General Electric and Boeing.

Additionally, in the performance materials sector, LMP’s precision and efficiency in metal printing could facilitate the development of innovative products, aligning with Honeywell’s strategic focus on technological leadership and market differentiation.  If the process were adopted, it could present a compelling opportunity for investors interested in a company at the forefront of industrial innovation.

최종 생각

Additive manufacturing has proven that it is here to stay, and techniques like LMP are poised to open up new avenues for utilization.  To sum things up, the team of researchers behind LMP say it best.

“결론적으로, 우리는 LMP가 제조 및 디자인 분야에서 생산적인 힘이 될 잠재력을 가지고 있음을 보여줍니다. 이는 프로토타이핑 도구이자 빠르고 저비용이며 대규모, 순환 생산 형태로 활용될 수 있습니다.”