3D printing continues to be a key tool for many industries, enabling the creation of parts with complex geometries and advanced materials. In the case of metals, advances in this technology have opened up new possibilities in a multitude of sectors, including those where precision and material optimization are key. One of the most recent developments in this area is the use of innovative techniques that improve the efficiency and scalability of metal additive manufacturing. This is where 3D Architech, a startup which has developed a gel-based metal 3D printing technique, comes in. The company working to redefine the way metal components are designed and produced by additive manufacturing with its process. We spoke with its founder to learn more about its developments, the latest advances and the impact of its technology on the industry.
3DN: Could you introduce yourself and your connection with 3D printing?
My name is Kai Narita, and I am the founder and CEO of 3D Architech. My journey with 3D printing began during my Ph.D. studies at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), where I developed a strong interest in micro-scale additive manufacturing and its application in the energy sector. My research primarily focused on utilizing 3D printing to create architected materials, particularly for energy storage devices like lithium-ion batteries. This work highlighted the transformative potential of precise microstructural control in optimizing material and device performance.
Kai Narita, founder and CEO of 3D Architech (left) and some parts from the company (right)
3DN: What is 3D Architech and how did the idea of creating the company come about?
3D Architech, founded in 2022 and based in both Japan and the United States, is dedicated to revolutionizing manufacturing through our proprietary gel-based 3D printing technology. The concept for the company emerged from my doctoral research at Caltech, where I developed advanced 3D printing techniques for engineering architected materials at the micro-scale. Recognizing the disruptive potential of these innovations in fields like cooling, energy, and manufacturing, I established 3D Architech to commercialize these technologies and transform how metal components are designed and produced.
3DN: How does your gel-based metal 3D printing method work? What advantages does it offer?
Our proprietary gel-based metal 3D printing technology allows us to manufacture metal parts with exceptional precision and complexity. The process begins with a lithography-based approach to create gel structures with the desired architecture. Through a specialized procedure, these gel structures are converted entirely into metal or alloy parts.
The key advantages of this technology include the ability to achieve micron-scale features as fine as 10 microns through advanced microarchitecture design, significant cost reductions, and high throughput. This enables a smooth transition from R&D to seek the optimized designs for specific devices and to mass production of customized and optimized parts. Additionally, our process offers immense material versatility, enabling the creation of a wide range of parts tailored to diverse applications.
The startup’s technology makes it possible to manufacture metal parts with high precision and complexity
3DN: What sectors and applications is this technology targeting?
We are currently focusing on sectors such as cooling, energy, and manufacturing. Our primary efforts are directed toward producing heat sinks that significantly improve cooling efficiency and performance for data centers, as well as electrolyzer components for green hydrogen production. Additionally, we are exploring applications like porous metal structures for fuel cells and other innovative solutions.
Our technology’s adaptability opens up opportunities across a wide range of industries, particularly in applications that demand precise microstructural control. The accuracy, scalability, and cost-efficiency of our approach make it highly suited to these markets, driving enhanced performance and cost savings.
3DN: How do you see the future of 3D printing in 10 years? And 3D Architech?
Over the next 10 years, 3D printing will advance in materials, resolution, and industry integration, with a focus on identifying high-value applications. Achieving throughput on par with traditional manufacturing technologies and pinpointing the products uniquely enabled by 3D printing will be key to broader adoption.
For 3D Architech, our vision is to establish a co-creation platform that integrates advanced manufacturing technologies, innovative materials, and cutting-edge architectures to optimize product performance for our customers. We aim to make our gel-based manufacturing method a standard for bringing architected materials into practical applications.
3DN: Any last words for our readers?
At 3D Architech, we’re excited to push the boundaries of 3D printing, particularly in areas like cooling and energy efficiency. Our gel-based manufacturing technology aims to provide sustainable, customized solutions for industries facing complex challenges. We look forward to collaborating with partners and customers to shape the future of manufacturing together. You can find out more about 3D Architech HERE.
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*All Photo Credits: 3D Architech