Scientists grow metal instead of 3D printing it — and it’s 20x stronger

Scientists at EPFL have reimagined 3D printing by turning simple hydrogels into tough metals and ceramics. Their process allows multiple infusions of metal salts that form dense, high-strength structures without the porosity of earlier methods. Early results show materials 20 times stronger with much less shrinkage. The breakthrough could lead to efficient production of complex energy and biomedical devices.