Arizona State University

The Penn State Research Foundation

David Wright

Abdalla R Nassar

Owen Hildreth

Timothy W Simpson

Tim Simpson

Christopher Lefky

Systems and methods are disclosed for fabricating a metal or ceramic component using a 3D printer. An entire 3D printed piece, including both the metal or ceramic component and one or more support structures, is created of a first metal or ceramic material. A sensitization layer is applied to all or part of the 3D printed piece to chemically alter portions of the first metal or ceramic material near the surface making those portions of the material more sensitive to the etching process. The etching process causes the affected material to deplete and separates the component from the support structures without requiring mechanical machining.

Growing community of inventors

Mesa, AZ, United States of America

David Wright