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[SITUATION] · [ACTIVE] · [TECHNOLOGY]

2 clusters · 7 sources · 3 days · First seen · Last updated

RMIT University floating 3D-printed titanium development

Overview

Engineers at RMIT University have developed a 3D-printed titanium lattice material capable of remaining buoyant in water, even when damaged or cracked. The material is a metal-hybrid lattice metamaterial consisting of hollow, interconnected titanium struts filled with polyurethane foam. This design allows water to flow through external openings while the foam-filled internal channels maintain buoyancy.

To predict the buoyancy of these open structures, researchers introduced a new measurement called ‘skeletal density’, which calculates the density of only the components that exclude water. Testing indicates that at an equivalent density, the structure is 70 percent stronger than stainless steel or high-density polyethylene.

In seawater corrosion tests, the material showed minimal mass loss and strength decline. The technology has potential applications for marine infrastructure, such as buoys, jetties, floating sensors, and docks. Future research is expected to focus on scaling the samples and testing performance in deep-sea environments.

Entities

Jordan Noronha · RMIT University · Advanced Materials · Ma Qian · Centre for Additive Manufacturing

Timeline

  1. 7 days ago

    [TECHNOLOGY] 2 sources
    RMIT University researchers develop floating 3D-printed titanium

    RMIT University researchers have created a 3D-printed titanium structure that floats, offering 70 percent more strength than stainless steel for marine infrastructure applications.

  2. 9 days ago

    [TECHNOLOGY] 5 sources
    RMIT engineers develop floating 3D-printed titanium material

    RMIT University engineers have created a 3D-printed, foam-filled titanium lattice that floats in water, offering a stronger and more durable alternative for marine infrastructure.

Sources

australianmanufacturing.com.au · azom.com · interestingengineering.com · khabarfoori.com · negarmag.com · ocio.diarioinformacion.com · studyfinds.org