China3D printingNet February 25th, engineering students at the Munich University of Applied Sciences have developed a novel3D printingThe printer is capable of manufacturing satellites in low earth orbit (LEO).
The team’s extrusion technology-based system is part of the “AMIS-FYT” project, which aims to construct solar panels or antennas under zero gravity conditions. The new machine potentially reduces the need to launch heavy machinery into space, saving resources while allowing more fuel to be carried, thereby extending future missions.
AIMIS-FYT team news officer Torben Schäfer explained: “For satellites, fuel is usually the limiting factor, and it usually lasts about 15 years. Our3D printingThe process can use UV curing adhesive or potting glue to directly print the three-dimensional structure in the space. “
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Usually, a spacecraft is developed, tested, and assembled on the earth, and then launched into space by a launch vehicle to reach its mission site.Even satellite parts, such as3D printingWaveguides, or additive-manufactured heat exchangers with clear space applications, can also be built here, and then they can be put into orbit by commercial transportation companies.
Although building a device on Terra Firma may be more convenient than on LEO, it requires perfecting every component so that they can withstand the pressure of initial startup. However, these larger parts take up valuable space on its launch space shuttle, thereby reducing the amount of fuel that can be carried and increasing mission costs.
In order to solve this problem, the students of the University of Munich have developed a novel3D printingThe printer can produce aerospace components on orbit without having to transport them completely. Zero-gravity manufacturing also has other potential benefits, because the additively manufactured parts do not need to meet the requirements of launch durability, which means they can be customized to better meet the needs of their mission.
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The AIMIS team (pictured) aims to deploy its new3D printingmachine. Filmed by AIMIS-FYT.
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With many traditional3D printingLike the machine, the team’s system is equipped with a photopolymer extruder, but the new system does not use a layer-by-layer method to create parts, but only uses the movement of its print head to build parts. By squeezing directly into space, the machine can produce complex objects without supporting structures or even fixed anchor points (such as pressure plates).
In order to demonstrate the function of its printer, the engineer under zero gravity conditions3D printingA variety of rods of different shapes. During the test, the team deployed a dedicated IDS high-resolution camera, although it is difficult to simulate the lighting conditions of LEO, they can still closely monitor the progress of the nozzle.
“Since the parabolic flight only has 20 seconds of zero gravity, we only save the most important information,” Schäfer explained. “With IDS, we are able to seamlessly integrate the camera into our surveillance system. Real-time feeds make it easier for us to set up and quickly analyze the print head.”
After successful testing, the team believes that their system can be used both as a method for manufacturing optimized antenna mirrors and as a mounting structure for solar generators.Engineers are especially aimed at satellite manufacturers and distributors, who pass the LEO3D printingParts to reduce launch and production costs.
China3D printingNet comment: Looking to the future, these students now intend to continue to optimize their machines through the European Space Agency (ESA) weightlessness test, with a view to deploying them in space and demonstrating their potential for ultimate use in future missions.
In recent years, LEO3D printingThe potential efficiency advantage of NASA enables NASA to deploy this technology to a variety of different aerospace applications.
The Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has signed a contract with KULR Technology Group to3D printingA spare battery pack for future use in space missions. The company is using its passive propagation resistance (PPR) and internal short circuit (ISC) processes to build systems that meet NASA’s highest thermal safety standards.
Similarly, NASA installed a Reflabricator from the US aerospace company Tethers Unlimited Inc (TUI) on the International Space Station (ISS) 3D printingMachine and recycling system. The machine is designed to enable astronauts to manufacture sustainable spare parts on demand during exploration missions.
“Space Manufacturing” also cooperated with NASA on the International Space Station and announced plans to launch its Ceramic Manufacturing Module (CMM) to the orbital base in September 2020. SLA3D printingThe machine will become the first of its kind running on LEO and will be used to develop commercial applications of this technology.
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