Researchers 3D Print Bioinspired Titanium Metamaterials That Absorb More Energy

Researchers are pushing the boundaries of metal additive manufacturing with a new approach to titanium metamaterials. By leveraging selective laser melting (SLM), scientists are creating bioinspired lattice structures that demonstrate significantly improved energy absorption compared to conventional designs.

Drawing from Nature

The key innovation lies in the design approach. By studying how natural materials behave under stress—from bone to wood to seashells—researchers have developed titanium lattices that fail more gracefully and absorb more energy before catastrophic collapse.

These bioinspired designs mimic the hierarchical structures found in nature, where materials combine strength with controlled deformation.

Applications

Titanium metamaterials with enhanced energy absorption have numerous applications:

• Aerospace — Improved crash protection
• Medical implants — Better stress distribution
• Defense — Enhanced protective equipment

The ability to 3D print these complex structures means engineers can now create custom geometries previously impossible to manufacture.