| The German research institute BAM (Federal Materials Research and Testing Division) successfully succeeded in 3D printing of metal tools under zero gravity conditions. Last year we reported on early tests of BAM, using ceramic 3D printing on spacecraft, using vacuum systems to make powder bed Fastened together. Nowadays the improved additive manufacturing process has been used to produce metal tools. This is the most advanced research result achieved so far.  (Source: BAM) Jens Günster, project manager and director of BAM's ceramics processing and biomaterials division, said: 'In the latest parabola flight in March, we used the brand-new technology to print wrenches under zero gravity. 'Printing a wrench at zero gravity indicates exploration in space. Adding 3D printing technology to the mission. The use of 3D printing in space is particularly useful for keeping space travel costs down because any spare equipment carried by the spacecraft means extra weight and more fuel to get the aircraft into orbit. Relatively inexpensive 3D printers and materials can also be used to produce the necessary spare parts on demand.
Is it possible to add 3D printing to space travel? For example, combining an automatic 3D printing system with a technology that converts moon or Mars surface materials into 3D printed materials. One day, the whole habitable colony can be built on Mars or the Moon. Without the need for any human intervention, to prepare for the final arrival of astronauts. 3D printing technology has been used on the International Space Station to create many different functional components, but astronauts have not been able to use metal for 3D printing. So far, Space 3D printing has been limited to FDM 3D printers using extruded thermoplastics or polymers. Due to the use of powders, using metal 3D printing at zero gravity is a bit more challenging. Since the metal addition manufacturing process uses a powder bed that is selectively melted or melted by a laser, there is a need for a method to stabilize the powder bed under zero-gravity conditions. Not only does not have gravity making it difficult to hold the particles of the powder bed together The metal powder may also be flammable or explosive. The method developed by the BAM team utilizes a protective gas, in this case nitrogen, using a special pump through the powder layer. The nitrogen is sufficient to stabilize the powder bed.
The technology has now passed two flight tests, which were carried out in cooperation with the Clausthal University of Technology and the German Aerospace Center (DLR) (Institutional Complex and Adaptive Systems in Braunschweig). Understand that the system will be displayed at this year's Hannover Messe. Source: China 3D Printing Network |
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