Additive Manufacturing of Pure Copper: Technologies and Applications

Abstract

The opportunity to process pure copper through additive manufacturing has been widely explored in recent years, both in academic research and for industrial uses. Compared to well-established fabrication routes, the inherent absence of severe design constraints in additive manufacturing enables the creation of sophisticated copper components for applications where excellent electrical and thermal conductivity is paramount. These include electric motor components, heat management systems, heat-treating inductors, and electromagnetic devices. This chapter discusses the main additive manufacturing technologies used to fabricate pure copper products and their achievable properties, drawing attention to the advantages and the challenges they have to face considering the peculiar physical properties of copper. An insight on the topic of recycling of copper powders used in additive manufacturing is also provided. Finally, an overview of the potential areas of application of additively manufactured pure copper components is presented, highlighting the current technological gaps that could be filled by the implementation of additive manufacturing solutions.