Researchers have developed the incredible ability to 3D print copper at atomic scales.
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![Microscopic copper structures 3D printed with electroplating [Source: UOL / Julian Hengsteler, ETH Zurich]](https://res.cloudinary.com/engineering-com/image/upload/w_640,h_640,c_limit,q_auto,f_auto/tiny-copper-cover-fabbaloo_t2shqt.jpg)
Microscopic copper structures 3D printed with electroplating [Source: UOL / Julian Hengsteler, ETH Zurich]
A team of researchers from several institutions has been working on the new 3D printing process, which uses the principle of electroplating.
Electroplating is the process of depositing metal from a saline solution onto an oppositely-charged object. It’s a well-understood technology that has been around for decades and widely used in industry.
However, traditional electroplating is an “all or none” process where an object is dipped into a solution and entirely coated with the metal when complete.
How could you 3D print with electroplating?
