Technology
1 min read
Texas A&M and the Army Research Lab developed In-Foam Additive Manufacturing (IFAM), creating a hybrid super foam that absorbs 10 times more impact energy than standard padding.
Originally reported by Interesting Engineering
Texas A&M and the Army Research Lab developed In-Foam Additive Manufacturing (IFAM), creating a hybrid super foam that absorbs 10 times more impact energy than standard padding. By 3D printing an internal elastomeric skeleton into open-cell foam, the process creates a symbiotic composite where foam prevents strut buckling while struts distribute loads. This enables precise tuning of mechanical properties for helmets and vehicle safety without the high costs of pure lattice structures. 🛡️ #3DPrinting #AdditiveManufacturing #MaterialScience #DefenseTech #Innovation