What Is It?

"A hydraulic manifold is processed inside a microwave furnace, which uses temperatures up to 1,400 °C to sinter the steel part. Such a part is too complex to make with conventional methods."

https://www.technologyreview.com/s/604088/the-3-d-printer-that-could-finally-change-manufacturing/

The picture recognition software I think is getting better...anyway, can you imagine trying to machine this part?

Yes, and 3D printing technology is also pretty impressive.

Give me one of these and I'd have a go at it!

Last time I saw one of these it was CNC machined out of a solid hexagonal block of steel. The hydraulics company I worked for made a batch of about thirty of them. Do your research before you make claims it could not previously have been done. This example may be lighter in weight but given the amount of post machining needed I doubt it will be any cheaper.

I go along with your comment - what criteria is considered in reaching the conclusion it could not be done before ???

Do your research before you make claims it could not previously have been done. This example may be lighter in weight but given the amount of post machining needed I doubt it will be any cheaper.

Yeah, could be. The words in the quotes were the caption under the picture on the website where I found it, which I added as a description of the picture.

https://www.technologyreview.com/s/604088/the-3-d-printer-that-could-finally-change-manufacturing/

I was going to say it was a poorly made center hub of some sort of radial engine, but there is no room for a spider in there.