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This post is about 3D Printing of prototype carbon girders for space resident structures...
In our meeting via Google on Sunday 2024/12/16, kbd512 and I discussed a wide range of subtopics that are part of the Solar Thermal Propulsion concept.
Among those subtopics was construction of the framework for the system, which will feature a large number of parabolic reflectors whose output will be directed to the thermal engine via optical fiber cable.
We have the potential to develop designs for carbon beams (I-beams through box beams) that can be rendered in plastic using a 3D Printer. Thus, we have the potential for NewMars members who might have access to a 3D Printer, to create scale models of the actual flight article.
The actual flight article will be large in physical terms, but the model can be much smaller, but still able to demonstrate interlocking of components, for example.
I would be happy to work with a NewMars member who might design a girder for this application, using any of the free tools that are available.
I would also be happy to assist someone who would like to learn a tool for this purpose, if it is one I am familiar with.
Otherwise, we can learn the tool together, since it doesn't take much to interest me in learning a new tool.
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I asked Google if anyone had 3D printed girders, and found a number of citations ...
Here's one about what look like railroad tracks...
Researchers develop 3D printed plastic beams
Inspenet.Published: December 22, 2022
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inspenet - 872By: Franyi Sarmiento, Ph.D., Inspenet, December 22, 2022
Researchers from the Polytechnic University of Valencia (UPV), Spain, devised and patented a new technique that would make it possible to manufacture beams with 3D-printed plastic parts that can be assembled as if they were Lego modules and a layer of high-performance concrete on top. most compressed area.
These new beams, according to their creators, have multiple advantages: they weigh up to 80% less than concrete or metal beams, so large cranes or trucks are not needed to transport and install them; they would save time and costs in labor and material; and they could be printed and assembled on site, making it easy to install anywhere, however difficult to access.
In addition, these beams use recycled plastics as raw material, giving a new life to this product and thus advancing towards a more sustainable construction.
Its main innovation would be the polymer profile of the beam, made up of multiple longitudinal segments that can be assembled and concreted in the place where the structure is to be installed. The beam is reinforced with elements that guarantee the rigidity of the structure and also would not have any metallic component.
“In this way, corrosion is avoided, weight is reduced and working time is simplified,” the researchers explain. The system would also eliminate the need for expensive formwork and falsework, which would allow work without the need to cut traffic on the infrastructure in which work is being done.
Another novelty of the system devised by the UPV researchers is found in the internal structure of the polymeric profiles. “It is a honeycomb structure, which makes it possible to reduce the plastic material used -and therefore its weight- while maintaining structural rigidity”, they conclude.
This material from the cdt.cl portal was edited for clarity, style, and length.
Source and Photo : https://www.cdt.cl/desarrollan-vigas-de … sas-en-3d/
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LinkedIn sends me notices on occasion. Today's email contained this interesting snippet:
Check out these interesting conversations
Because you viewed Alexey’s post
Alexey NavolokinWire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) is a promising technology with the potential to revolutionize… see more
I'm hoping someone in the forum has the time to investigate this and report on it a bit. What I'm interested in is the 3D Printing of metal, as compared to the very successful 3D printing of plastic.
Here's a small item from a recent visit to a computer store in the area. The 3D filament stocks are now divided into slow PLA and fast PLA.
The fast PLA costs a couple dollars more per reel. My little Ender is content with slow PLA, but I can see that the machines on display at the computer store are moving MUCH more rapidly than does my bottom tier machine.
I am watching for hints that someone else in the NewMars community is venturing into this technology.
There is another distinctive advance on display at the local computer store! Top of the line 3D printers can now automatically change colors. The mechanism is in a separate machine that holds multiple reels of filament, and there is an automatic filament swapping mechanism that handles the transitions called for by the GCODE file. The speed and precision of this system are impressive.
The number of colors served was at least four, and might have been five.
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This post is about the potential for high levels of income for those who master 3D printing in the modern age...
I am in a community which includes young people, and a few of them may have the capability and interest to learn the rudiments of 3D printing.
In order to obtain employment sufficient to supply a family in the modern age, I expect that a candidate would need to complete a bachelor's degree or at least an Associate's degree, with emphasis on STEM classes and specialization in 3D Printing.
Here is an opening conversation with Google's Gemini:
Conversation with Gemini
Hi Gemini! I'm hoping this request will match up with your skills and capabilities. I'm interested in offering introductory classes on 3D printing (all aspects) to young people in my community who would not ordinarily come into contact with the technology. My request today is to see if you can help me put together an incentive package showing employment opportunities if a candidate completes a bachelor's degree or perhaps an Associates degree with specialization in 3D printing. I think the field is quite large already, including building entire rocket engines using metal 3D printers, but extending far from that example to include architecture on the large scale end, or tiny nearly invisible working assemblies on the low end. Please don't produce a lot of material right away. Let's discuss this request and see if you might be able to work with it.
Hi there! I'm excited to help you develop an incentive package showcasing the employment opportunities in 3D printing for young people in your community. I think this is a fantastic initiative, and 3D printing's potential is vast and constantly expanding, making it a great field to highlight.
You're right, the applications are incredibly diverse, from aerospace and architecture to medicine and micro-devices. I can definitely help you research and compile information on potential career paths, required education levels (bachelor's vs. associate's), salary expectations, and even potential employers in different sectors.
To make sure I tailor the package to your specific needs, let's discuss a few things:
Target Age Group: Knowing the specific age range of the young people you're targeting will help me focus the information and make it more relevant. For example, information for high school students might be different than for middle schoolers.
Geographic Focus: Are you focusing on local opportunities within your community, or are you looking at national or even international possibilities? This will help me narrow down potential employers and salary data.
Desired Level of Detail: Do you want a broad overview of career paths, or a more in-depth look at specific roles and required skills? We can also include information on internships, apprenticeships, and other ways to gain experience.
Format of the Package: Are you envisioning a printed brochure, a website, a presentation, or something else? This will help me structure the information appropriately.
Once I have a better understanding of these aspects, I can start putting together some concrete examples of career paths, educational requirements, and potential salary ranges. I can also help you find resources like industry associations, online job boards, and educational programs related to 3D printing.
I'm ready when you are! Just let me know your thoughts on these points.
Gemini, your response is everything I had hoped for, and more besides. To be honest, it takes my breath away (that's an expression which I trust you recognize). I'd like to think about this and share it with friends so they can consider the implications as well. For now, let's leave the question open. While I'm away, best wishes for similar success in helping your many other customers.
I'm so glad I could help! It's very rewarding to work on projects like this. I understand you'd like to discuss it further with friends, and that's perfectly fine. Take your time, and I'll be here whenever you're ready to continue the conversation. I look forward to hearing from you again. Best wishes to you and your friends as well!
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