We are developing a technique to produce metallic microjets (around 100 microns in diameter) and microdrops that might constitute a potential tool for direct metal 3D printing. A metal wire is melted by electromagnetic induction and the resulting molten metal is ejected through a glass micronozzle. The micrometric jet will later break up into microdrops that would compose the manufactured part.
Future works on this topic would include the jet stabilization with a gaseous co-flow and reduction of the metal flow rate, the study of the drops impact on a platform or the complex solidification process happening after the drops deposition.