# Featherweight Manmade Metals Microlattice is the Lightest Metal on Earth By Meghan Young | Published 2012-11-15 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/microlattice References: [neatorama](http://www.neatorama.com/2012/11/14/The-Lightest-Metal-on-Earth/) & [popsci](http://www.popsci.com/science/article/2012-11/fyi-what-lightest-metal-earth) The lightest metal on earth has been developed and it has been dubbed microlattice. A hundred times lighter than styrofoam, microlattice may be able to sit on a dandelion without crushing its seeds, but don't be deceived by this feat. Microlattice might appear delicate, but it can bear a 50% compression stress load. Impressed yet? Created by [HRL Laboratories](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lowchill-cooling) in collaboration with researchers at [Caltech](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/Quantum-Computing-Architecture) and UC Irvine, microlattice is purported for [aerospace structural components](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aerionn-forma). As light as a feather and strong as a spiderweb, microlattice achieves these wondrous qualities through a series of hollow tubes. According to Popular Science, "Researchers exposed a light sensitive liquid to UV light through a patterned mask, which created a three-dimensional photopolymer lattice. They then deposited a layer of nickel-phosphorous onto the polymer lattice, which was then etched." The result being microlattice. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.1/10 - Popularity: 47% | Activity: 69% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Science](https://www.trendhunter.com/science) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Microlattice:** Microlattice, the lightest metal on earth, offers disruptive innovation opportunities in aerospace structural components. - **Lightweight Materials:** The development of microlattice highlights the trend towards lightweight metals, creating opportunities in various industries. - **Advanced Manufacturing:** The production process of microlattice using 3D photopolymer lattice and etching showcases the potential for advanced manufacturing techniques. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Aerospace:** Microlattice's strength and lightweight properties make it a potential game-changer in the aerospace industry, revolutionizing structural design and fuel efficiency. - **Materials Science:** The development of microlattice highlights the importance of materials science in creating innovative solutions for lightweight and high-strength materials. - **Manufacturing:** The manufacturing industry can explore advanced techniques like 3D photopolymer lattice and etching to produce lightweight and strong metals for various applications. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Lightweight Mechanical Watches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ming-lw01-manual.md) - [Featherlight Camping Tents](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hyperlite-mountain-gear-mid-1-tent.md) - [Featherlight Camping Tables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aluminum-camping-table.md) - [Liquid Metal 3D-Printing Techniques](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/liquid-metal-printing.md) - [Lightweight Foldable E-Bikes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vello-ultralight.md) - [Ultra-Flexible Hip Implant Materials](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/superelastic-alloy.md) - [Unsinkable Metal Vessel Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aluminum-tubes.md) - [Featherweight Folding Bicycles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/featherweight-folding-bicycle.md) - [Featherlight Ultra-Thin Laptops](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/macbook.md)