Boeing uses the world's lightest metal on aircraft

During the search for super-lightweight materials for aircraft, Boeing made its way to the world's lightest metal, now called Microlattice, a composite of porous metal.

Boeing applies Microlattice to aircraft

Microlattice is not only the lightest metal being made today, it also breaks the record of durability. This product is expected to one day be applied in the aircraft to ensure durability while reducing the weight significantly, thereby saving fuel costs.

This metal is so light it can easily be placed on dandelion flowers.

Microlattice is 100 times lighter than foam . That's because its overall structure is 99.99% air. Its structure is similar to that of a bony outer layer of solid but hollow material.

Thanks to the ability to create a wide range of flexible shapes, this composite metal material provides high energy absorption from external effects. This will help airplanes, cars and many vehicles to be durable and lightweight.

However, the applications of Microlattice's porous metal material on Boeing's existing aircraft remain mostly in less sensitive areas such as the inner wall or the walkway area. Therefore, this material will not replace steel or aluminum but it can complement to make the vehicles more efficient and lighter in the future.