Bioinspired Multi-Metal Structures Produced via Direct Ink Writing

Abstract Bioinspired Multi-Metal Structures (MMSs) combine distinct properties of multiple materials, benefiting from improved and providing superior designs. Additive Manufacturing (AM) exhibits enormous advantages in applying different materials geometries according to the desired functions at specific locations structure, having great potential fabricating multi-materials structures. However, current AM techniques have difficulty manufacturing 3D MMSs without material cross-contamination flexibly reliably. This study demonstrates a reliable, fast, flexible direct ink writing method fabricate MMSs. The in-situ material-switching system enables deposition metallic across layers within same layer. Fe–Cu with complex fine details are fabricated as proof concept. microstructures, chemical phase compositions, tensile fracture surfaces interfaces indicate well-bonded interface cracks, delamination, or cross-contamination. We envision this novel making other combinations even metal-ceramic components. It paves way for using establishes possibilities numerous applications engineering fields.