Generation of 3-dimensional microstructure by metal jet

Abstract

The author developed a process to form micro functional structures by a metal jet. In this process, a first layer is formed using molten metal drops, which are jetted out of a nozzle, and a second layer is then formed on the first layer. The repetition of this process produces 3-dimensional structures. This paper shows a modeling system that can make 3-dimensional structures from CAD data, and some products made by this system. Moreover, it is shown that this technique can be applied to the generation of functional structures using multi nozzles.