Researchers develop 3D printable metallic glass for more efficient electric motors

Scientists of the AM2SoftMag project developed an iron-based metallic alloy for laser 3D printing (LPBF) that retains an amorphous structure. The material, free of phosphorus, cobalt, and rare earth elements, has coercivity of 44–77 A/m and a critical thickness of about 1 mm.

• Alloy of iron, silicon, boron, niobium, and nickel printed via LPBF
• Coercivity 44 A/m — at least an order of magnitude lower than analogues
• Critical thickness ~1 mm vs ~150 µm for commercial alloys
• Technology still at material stage, motor not tested