Comment Re:Gradients (Score 4, Interesting) 32
While I doubt it is unique to 3d printing (I could be wrong though) but the simple pour into mould methods won't work without taking into account the relative densities of the metals involved (depending on how long they take to cool they may separate out anyway).
The real benefit I can see here would be from the ability to control how fast you move from one material to another which seems to be one of the major benefits (having the gentle transition of the alloy removes the transition point and the matching weak point).
What may be unique is the control that 3d printing offers, I'm sure someone can create http://www.3ders.org/images/bu... without using 3d printing but I'm also sure its not a quick / easy process.