3D Painting? The times, they are a chaingin'

[MarrsCars]

Check this out, it's similar to 3D printing but sprays the material on in layers via a computer controlled table. I can see this being useful for building materials back up on a surface, heck in a few years we may not even be tossing out old heads that have been machined one too many times, just add some more material to grind down and you're good to go.

http://www.popsci.com/article/technology/3-d-painting-sprays-metal-repair-or-rebuild-machines-video?dom=PSC&loc=recent&lnk=6&con=3d-painting-sprays-metal-to-repair-or-rebuild-machines-video

[joe_padavano]

I'm not sure how this is "painting" exactly, but flame spraying metal (with or without computer control) to rebuild worn parts has been around for many decades. 3D printers that use powdered metal (instead of plastic) to form parts have been around for at least ten years. DARPA has been funding this research. There have recently been test firings of rocket engines using 3D printed metallic parts in the hot part of the engine. PopSci is a little behind the curve here.

[MarrsCars]

Thanks for the info! My sister actually works in aerospace and her former company did the ceramic coatings that were sprayed under immense heat onto the engine parts of advanced aircraft, space shuttle, etc. so I am somewhat familiar with the technology as a layman but didn't know this level of detailed work has already been possible. So much out there to learn about.

[CarlLaFong]

This is not flame spraying, like what has been around for years, but cold spraying. The metal is deposited at such a high velocity that it fuses with the parent metal. No heat involved and quite precise, need only some light machining to bring it to spec. The old metal guns just sort of glob it on

[Joe Block]

I checking with a couple 3d printer to make part for my reproduction air conditioner vernt for Packards.