OSLO, Norway—Electric motors are traditionally made by cutting, molding and stamping pieces of metal. As an alternative, additive manufacturing technology can increase efficiency and reduce material consumption. However, printing large motor components has proven difficult, because the parts often become too brittle and easily break.
Through an EU-funded R&D project, engineers at chemical company Elkem ASA have developed an iron-silicon powder that may make it easier to print EV motor components.