Researchers 3D print multi-material electric motor

After two years of research, electrical engineers from the Chemnitz University of Technology have succeeded in designing a functional electric motor using additive manufacturing from iron, copper, and ceramics. A multi-material engine that illustrates the full potential of 3D printing!

Additive manufacturing has enabled a number of new engine concepts to emerge, whether for rockets, trucks or to design reactor prototypes. 3D technologies offer considerable advantages in terms of performance, customization, manufacturing time and cost. This time, it is German engineers who claim to have 3D printed an electric motor from 3 different materials.

A 3D printed electric motor

The engineering team has been working on this project for the last few years and in addition to their creating engine during this time, they have also managed to squeeze in the development of a printing filament, able to withstand temperatures of more than 300° C. With their filament, they used selective laser sintering to create, layer-by-layer, a functional engine. This engine includes copper electrical conductors that create magnetic fields with iron, but also electrical ceramic insulation that insulates conductors from each other and iron components.