The “Lasertec 65:”
[youtube aUX_Hm01KMc]
A machine that combines a five-axis CNC mill with laser sintering additive manufacturing. In short: wow.
Given the power on display here, I imagine that the sintered metal is pretty completely melted and with minimal (though probably not zero) porosity. Depending upon what metals this system can work with and how porous and strong the resulting structures are, this looks like it might be a dandy way to make small rocket engines. If it can change metals on the fly, imagine the possibilities for solid components made from multiple metals… aluminum or copper or silver or gold for high thermal conductivity “welded” to steel or titanium for strength. If it can sinter and machine tungsten or moly alloys… yow.
A longer silent version with more detailed explanation (in some weird moon-man language) of just what’s going on:
[youtube s9IdZ2pI5dA]
I have no idea how much this costs. I suspect if I sold my house I still couldn’t afford one.
And because hideously expensive robots that can make damn near anything are intrinsically cool, here:
[youtube HfnEIi3PJgg]