![](\"http:\/\/www.esa.int\/var\/esa\/storage\/images\/esa_multimedia\/images\/2019\/02\/electron_backscatter_diffraction_view_of_hybrid_3d-printed_metal_part\/19265488-1-eng-GB\/Electron_backscatter_diffraction_view_of_hybrid_3D-printed_metal_part_small.jpg\")
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\nA colourful microscopic view of a single piece of space-quality Inconel<\/a> super alloy processed using two different 3D printing techniques; this is a close-up of the boundary layer between them.\n<\/p>\n \nThe left side was produced using \u2018direct energy deposition\u2019 based on laser melting of metal powder feedstock, while the right side was made through \u2018powder bed fusion\u2019, involving the deposition then melting of metal powder.\n<\/p>\n \nThis micrograph of the resulting hybrid part is based on a technique called electron backscatter diffraction<\/a>. An electron beam was reflected off the crystalline metallic surfaces to reveal subtle details of their composition. The patches reveal different grains and the various colours depict the differing orientations of these grains.\n<\/p>\n \nThe part was produced as part of an ESA General Support Technology Programme<\/a> project with the Balmar<\/a> company and the Institute of Metals and Technology<\/a> in Slovenia, an Associate Member<\/a> State of ESA.\n<\/p>\n \nESA is working with research institutes and companies across Europe on its Advanced Manufacturing<\/a> initiative, harnessing 3D printing and other emerging manufacturing techniques to change the way space missions are made.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" \nA colourful microscopic view of a single piece of space-quality Inconel<\/a> super alloy processed using two different 3D printing techniques; this is a close-up of the boundary layer between them.\n<\/p>\n \nThe left side was produced using ‘direct energy deposition’ based on laser melting of metal powder feedstock, while the right side was made through ‘powder bed fusion’, involving the deposition then melting of metal powder.\n<\/p>\n \nThis micrograph of the resulting hybrid part is based on a technique called electron backscatter diffraction<\/a>. An electron beam was reflected off the crystalline metallic surfaces to reveal subtle details of their composition. The patches reveal different grains and the various colours depict the differing orientations of these grains.\n<\/p>\n \nThe part was produced as part of an ESA General Support Technology Programme<\/a> project with the Balmar<\/a> company and the Institute of Metals and Technology<\/a> in Slovenia, an Associate Member<\/a> State of ESA.\n<\/p>\n<\/p>\n