A research group headed by Professor Akihiko Chiba of the Institute for Materials Research at Tohoku University has discovered, through experiments into cobalt–chromium alloys for medical implant devices such as artificial hip joints, that 3D metal printers can be used to control the orientation of periodic arrangement of atoms (i.e. crystalline structures). This discovery will accelerate the realization of domestic custom-made artificial joints, as well as having a significant impact on the development of 3D printed metal products, such as jet engine turbine blades.
More information (Japanese)：http://www.tohoku.ac.jp/japanese/newimg/pressimg/tohokuuniv-press_20131108_01.pdf[PDF:131KB]