As N95 masks are in short supply and high demand, reusable, sterilizable metal filters for masks built using 3D microstructural characterization and simulation methods are a promising alternative.

The ability to make components from copper and copper alloys via additive manufacturing is spurring a range of novel applications. Although the high thermal conductivity of copper presents challenges for direct AM processes, fully dense copper components with complex geometries have been demonstrated. Of particular interest is the ability to use AM methods to fabricate internal cooling channels and mesh structures to optimize thermal management. This article describes feasibility studies to evaluate AM processing of copper parts.