NIST develops laser ‘whisking’ technique to blend metal alloys

Researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology have unveiled a new manufacturing method. The technique, called laser “whisking,” uses rapid laser motion to mix metal powders. By whisking the laser across the material, alloys can be blended without traditional melting. Experiments show the process can produce uniform compositions quickly. The advance could reduce energy consumption and tooling costs in metal production. Industry observers note potential applications in aerospace and automotive parts. NIST plans to further test the method with a wider range of metals. Commercial adoption will depend on scaling the technology for large‑scale factories.