**IIT Indore Researchers Develop Revolutionary Green Metal 3D Printing Technology**
Indore (Madhya Pradesh): Researchers at IIT Indore have developed a revolutionary new metal 3D printing technology that promises to transform the way industries create metal parts — making the process greener, more affordable, and highly versatile.
Led by Professor Neelesh Kumar Jain, along with Dr. Mayur Sudhakar Sawant and Dr. Pankaj Kumar, the team has introduced **μ-plasma metal additive manufacturing (μP-MAM)**. This cutting-edge method uses a special form of plasma (ionized gas) to print high-quality metal components layer by layer.
Unlike traditional metal 3D printing techniques, μP-MAM consumes significantly less electricity and does not emit harmful gases, making it an environmentally sustainable choice for industries such as aerospace, defence, healthcare, and tooling.
The innovative process is compatible with a variety of metals, including titanium alloys widely used in aircraft, specialized materials for medical implants, and superalloys designed for heavy-duty tools. It is supported by a specially designed 5-axis CNC machine capable of handling different types of metal feedstock, both powder and wire forms, offering unmatched flexibility in manufacturing.
This new technology fills a crucial gap between existing 3D printing methods and traditional welding techniques, delivering precise, efficient, and eco-friendly metal parts at the meso-scale level (medium-sized parts). μP-MAM has already been patented in India and honored with IIT Indore’s Best Technology Award.
Professor Suhas Joshi, Director of IIT Indore, stated, “This breakthrough reflects IIT Indore’s commitment to innovation that benefits society and industry. μP-MAM positions India as a leader in advanced, eco-friendly metal 3D printing.”
Professor Neelesh Kumar Jain added, “Our new technology cuts down on energy use and pollution while making it easier and cheaper to create complex metal parts. This means faster production, lower costs, and less harm to the environment.”
Looking ahead, the team plans to develop a digital twin of the μP-MAM process, preparing it for widespread commercial applications in coatings, cladding, and aeronautical manufacturing.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/indore/iit-indore-develops-sustainable-micro-plasma-3d-printing-technology-to-revolutionise-metal-additive-manufacturing
