MHD printhead for additive manufacturing of metals

Within the scope of additive manufacturing of metal parts, a droplet generator for metal melts is proposed. Its magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) working principle is shown and the actuation force available for droplet generation is calculated. The design of such a printhead is shown to consist only of very few, non-moving parts and therefore it is of great simplicity. First results gained with a prototype printhead show that successful droplet generation is possible, but that pollution of the melt with oxides and sparks developing during the droplet generation process have to be overcome to fully exploit the potential of the proposed print head.