MTI 3D Prints using Niobium Based Alloy - Uses Within Aerospace Industry

We all know by now how important additive manufacturing will one day be within space travel and exploration. One company called MTI may have just moved the needle a bit in the world of laser sintering, when considering applications within space. They have successfully 3D printed with a Niobium alloy called C-103. They managed to turn the alloy into a powder which was then able to be printed with via a 3D Systems ProX 300 machine. Potential uses of the alloy include parts which need to stand up to extreme temperatures, both hot and cold, as well as being light in weight. More details on this story can be found here: http://3dprint.com/11409/niobium-c-103-alloy-3d-print/

Below is an image of pure Niobium:
http://3dprint.com/wp-content/upload...t-1024x617.jpg