Exploring superconducting properties of 3-D printed parts

While many techniques can be used for 3-D printing with metals, most rely on computer-controlled melting or sintering of a metal alloy powder by a laser or electron beam. The mechanical properties of parts produced by this method have been well studied, but not enough attention has focused on their electrical properties. Researchers now report creating a resonant microwave cavity that they 3-D printed via an aluminum-silicon alloy.