The Defense Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), UK, may have revolutionized titanium production by reducing the 40-stage process down to just two steps and potentially halving the production cost. Titanium is as strong as steel and half the weight—but around ten times the cost. It is notoriously difficult and expensive to make which limits its wider use.

According to NC State News, researchers have now demonstrated the ability to create amorphous metal, or metallic glass, alloys on large scales using metal additive manufacturing technology, opening the door to a variety of applications—such as more efficient electric motors, better wear-resistant materials, higher strength materials, and lighter weight structures.