
A GRCop-42 heat exchanger
Due to its superior thermal conductivity, copper is one of the “hottest” metals for research and development in additive manufacturing. This is desirable in rockets and industrial applications such as electronics, where heat exchange is critical. Second only to silver among metals in its ability to conduct heat, copper is pound-for-pound significantly less expensive. Copper alloys provide enhanced mechanical properties along with that valuable conductivity.
The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Dept. of Defense Appropriations bill, which includes an amendment supported by U.S. Reps. Mike Kelly (R-PA-16) and Chris Deluzio (D-PA-17) for $10 million for "Neighborhood 91," a comprehensive additive manufacturing (AM) production campus located near Pittsburgh International Airport.

Casio Computer Co., Ltd. announced the release of the latest addition to its family of G-SHOCK shock-resistant watches. The new dust- and mud-resistant MUDMASTER GWG-B1000 features exterior components in metal for a solid, powerful design, made by metal injection molding (MIM).
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) launched a first-of-its-kind Critical Materials Collaborative (CMC) and announced its intent to fund up to $10 million to establish a Critical Materials Accelerator Program. The vision of the CMC is to integrate critical materials applied research, development and demonstration (RD&D) across DOE and the federal government, to accelerate the development of domestic critical material supply chains for the nation. The CMC will operationalize coordination and collaboration, while creating a value-add for RD&D performers by expanding their access to world-class expertise, capabilities, and facilities.

New Metal AM printer at Missouri S&T (Photo courtesy of Bradley Deuser, Missouri S&T.)
With the recent purchase of a large-format metal additive manufacturing (AM) printer, the Kummer Institute Center for Advanced Manufacturing at Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla, Missouri, took an important step toward helping Missouri manufacturers use technology to sharpen their competitive edge. The purchase was based on input from manufacturers, who reported acquiring traditionally manufactured parts had become increasingly difficult due to irregularities in the supply chain.

Kennametal Inc., Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been named a winner of the R&D 100 Award for its innovative additive manufactured (AM) machining tool for large engine and transmission housings in transportation, including electric vehicles, made with its new technology.

These parts and build plate are fresh out of a Velo3D Sapphire XC AM system. The components of the Reaper Turbopump fit on one 600 mm build plate of the XC system with room to spare. Such large format printers improve the manufacturing time and economics of 3D metal printing. Image courtesy of Velo3D
The aerospace industry continues to push metal additive manufacturing (AM) to convert innovative, physics-based designs into higher-performing components that are more dependable, affordable, scalable, and producible using the agile manufacturing technique. AM is not only in demand in the aircraft industry – it is a necessity. Two undergraduate students from Colorado University (CU) Boulder Aerospace Engineering Sciences program have worked with industry experts to develop a cost-effective and reliable rocket turbopump concept.
The National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining (NCDMM) and America Makes have announced two new open project calls funded by the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense, Research and Engineering Manufacturing Technology Office (OSD (R&E)), and the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) worth a total of $11.75M. This is the largest funding opportunity launched by America Makes since its inception in 2012. Each project call has two areas of focus. One award is anticipated for each topic area with the maximum request for funding varying depending upon the topic being addressed.

The MPIF Technical Board has critically evaluated and completed its review of the highly qualified manuscripts that were presented at the PowderMet2023 and AMPM2023 conferences in Las Vegas for the prestigious Outstanding Technical Paper Awards.

MPIF recently completed its 59th annual Basic PM Short Course in State College, Pennsylvania, where over 60 attendees were provided an overview of the powder metallurgy (PM) industry, covering a broad introduction to PM history, current practices, and a look at the future of the industry.

The powder metallurgy industry is transforming, with PM magnetic materials expected to take a key role in the electric vehicle market. There is something fascinating about engines and motors because they power so much of our lives. In the world of electric motors, a new axial flux motor has been making news, and for good reason. It has some interesting benefits that can play a big role in future powertrains. And it is a great opportunity for PM!
This seminar will help expand your knowledge of soft and hard magnets, preparing you for the demands of new materials, such as soft-magnetic alloys and soft magnetic composite (SMC) materials. You will also have hands-on experiences with AC and DC testing of magnetic materials in the laboratory at Magnet-Physics Inc. under the direction of Reinhold Strnat.
Space is limited, so be sure to register today!

Herman Shen, chair for UNT’s Department of Mechanical Engineering
New research and development being conducted at the University of North Texas (UNT), Denton, Texas, could have a major impact on future military operations. The research will analyze the Laser Beam Powder Bed Fusion (PBF-LB) additive manufacturing process. The manufacturing will be done with equipment in UNT’s Center for Agile and Adaptive Additive Manufacturing. The research could allow military vessels to produce their own replacement parts that are more reliable and durable.