In addition to the higher temperature resistance, the ceramic insulation material also has a higher thermal conductivity. As a result, the heat loss in the conductors can be dissipated faster. In this way, the scientists achieve another important goal of their work: increasing the power density of electrical machines. “Despite a process-related, slightly reduced electrical conductivity of the copper, it is also possible to increase efficiency in special applications by significantly reducing the winding temperature," explains Fabian Lorenz, a research assistant at the Technical University of Chemnitz.

The basis of the process, which the researchers now intend to further develop to market maturity, is the extrusion of high-viscosity pastes layer by layer. These contain particles of the desired materials such as iron, copper or ceramics and specially tailored binders. In order to achieve the precision required for multi-material printing, the scientists work together with dosing technology company ViscoTec Pumpen- u. Dosiertechnik GmbH.

“The motor printed in the Chemnitz University laboratory represents a breakthrough and is also the proof of principle for our technology," assures scientist Johannes Rudolph, who was instrumental in the development of the process and who, together with Lorenz, is preparing a spin-off from the university.