NEW YORK: Creating components that are critical to space missions on-the-go has been made possible by NASA engineers with their latest experiment of using the 3D printing technology in a Zero Gravity environment. In fact, they have found that 3D printers work just the same in space. Any 3D printer can build 3-dimensional objects by getting heated metal or plastic (or some other material) as its input and depositing it as layers on top of each other. But the team has made this 3D printer work in the International Space Station using plastic feedstock at low-temperature. To demonstrate all the objects created by the space crew, NASA recently released a video where Quincy Bean, the principal investigator for the space station printer, unboxes a box full of the first items made in space with a 3D printer. (Check the video at the end)
Not only is the success of this experiment a boon for future deep-space missions, but the ability to manufacture parts of the spacecraft on-demand on the spot is a dream come true for management-and-repair engineers. With the availability of 3D printing in Zero-G environment, NASA scientists no more have to worry about carrying costly and heavy payloads of spare parts as well.
Other than the integration of Microgravity Science Glovebox (MSG), the requirements list for this space 3D Printer includes production of a 3D multi-layer object that generates data about mechanical properties, operational parameters, dimensional control etc so as to better understand the enhancements in this novel 3D printing process. For the operation of this 3D printer in space, a 28 volts direct current is supplied by MSG. The space crew removes and bags prints from print tray. The crew’s responsibilities also involve changing the feedstock cartridge, replacing a clogged print head, interfacing with MSG laptop, regular maintenance etc.
