It seems backwards, but engineers from Northwestern University have made 3D printing metal easier (and eventually cheaper) by adding extra production steps to the procedure. (Paper available in PDF).

The technique is more efficient and can be used to print metal oxides, such as iron oxide (rust), which can then be reduced into metal. Rust powder is lighter, more stable, cheaper, and safer to ...

Washington: Researchers have developed a new inexpensive method to 3D print metallic objects such as batteries, fuel cells and parts for rockets and airplanes, using rust and metal powders. While ...