So, we’ve got out toys – 3D printers. And, many companies are using them, as I’ve reported. But, now, the 3D printer has gone into orbit.
Yes. It seems that the private firm’s supply rocket brought a 3D printer to the space station. And, not surprisingly, we’re only doing preliminary testing on the system. For example, how will this layer-by-layer printing process really work in space- where gravity is not a strong factor.
As a matter of fact, the first piece (not truly a functional piece- a “label” to affix to the printer head) managed to get stuck in the print tray. But, it’s hoped this problem can be easily fixed before we print the next jewel.
The real goal of the project is to use the printer to produce replacement parts, lowering the inventory needs (and weight) for the station and the launch/supply vessels- and insure that the perfect part is available when needed.
This printer is a creation from Made In Space, which was founded around 2010. The whole aim of the firm is to perfect additive manufacturing for use in space. The 3 co-founders, Aaron Kemmer, Jason Dunn, and Mike Chen, who received their first funding via the Small Business Innovation Research program (SBIR) hope that they will have a slew of these devices- to print needed equipment- and to effect manufacturing of items that can be better made when there are no gravitational effects.
The Space Station expects to produce about a score of products to be returned to earth for analysis. The same objects are being made in MadeInSpace’s Mountain View (CA) location to be compared with those made in space.
Assuming all goes as planned, a much larger, commercial (as opposed to demonstration level) unit will be installed in the space station next year.
The European Space Agency expects their own version of the printer to be in use next year.
I had no idea, this is great to read about and thanks for the picture of the device. How about sharing an article to remind people like me, just why we need a space station in the first place. It seems like the world is spending a ton of money on a project with little reward, while earth is going to hell in a hand basket so to speak. Wouldn’t you need to supply the station with raw product to use to make parts, which could just as well be the parts themselves? I do hope you will share more information about this because there is so much that we don’t understand about what that station is doing and what the long term goals are.
Chef William Chaney recently posted..Are You A GMO
The official reason we explore space is because it is there. But, there are are significant corporate interests in “harvesting” the minerals that can be found in space. (Yes, transportation will be a prime issue, but there still is plenty of many of those rare materials on earth.) There are spinoffs from the research required to have such space flight exist. (Supersonic transport will be a hybrid of aviation and space travel in the near future.)
But, given the plethora of problems on earth, I am not sure it’s the best use of governmental treasuries.
I must admit that I have yet to see a 3D printer. That said, I understand the need to replace some parts in the space and a 3D printer might be handy…
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These devices are pretty cool. And, unfortunately, they are not yet as “user friendly” as were the first laser printers. In that, no matter how clunky those first lasers were, when the paper came out of the unit, it was ready for use….
Thanks for the visit and comment, Muriel.