3D Printers

tahanson43206 · 2023-04-13 12:30:31

As reported elsewhere in this forum the Russians and many other groups, including the Mars Society have been running experiments like this.

Because this is a NASA sponsored and supervised experiment, I expect it will be given more attention than earlier experiments.

This update is happening in the 3D topic .... The connection ** might ** be possible construction of a habitat on Mars using 3D printing.

Further discussion of the experiment itself might be better matched with a topic about Mars Analog experiments.

This topic would be an excellent place for discussion of the 3D printers used to make the habitat, and the software used to direct the machines.

(th)

Mars_B4_Moon · 2023-04-27 13:00:41

Scientist lays out plans for international lunar station and 3D luanr printing
https://www.spacedaily.com/reports/Scie … n_999.html
China is proposing to establish a multinational organization to take charge of the construction and operation of the International Lunar Research Station.

Wu laid out three major reasons China wants to intensify its lunar exploration efforts.
"The moon is an important clue to uncovering the secrets behind the origins of the universe, the solar system and terrestrial life. The Earth's natural satellite will become a 'transfer station' for humans to fly beyond it to other celestial bodies, and the resources on it will be meaningful to mankind's sustainable development," he said.
The scientist shared this information at the First International Deep Space Exploration Conference (Tiandu Forum), which opened in Hefei on Tuesday. The event was hosted by the Deep Space Exploration Laboratory with the participation of the Asia-Pacific Space Cooperation Organization, the China Space Foundation and the University of Science and Technology of China.
Wu Weiren, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and a leading scientist at the China National Space Administration, said the Chang'e 8 robotic probe - the third to be placed on the moon in the country's next lunar exploration endeavor - is set to land on the moon's South Pole to conduct on-site investigations of the environment and mineral composition at the landing site, and to check if some advanced technologies, 3D printing for example, can be done on the lunar surface using lunar materials in the future.
"If we wish to stay on the moon for a long time, we need to set up stations by using the moon's own materials," he said in a recent interview, ahead of the Space Day of China that falls on Monday.
"Lunar soil will be our raw material and it will be printed into construction units. Professors at several domestic universities, such as Tongji University in Shanghai and Xi'an Jiaotong University in Shaanxi province, have already begun studying the possible applications of 3D printing technology on the moon," he said.

Mars_B4_Moon · 2023-05-12 18:55:51

Upcoming ISS project will test 3D materials for satellite manufacturing

https://www.spacedaily.com/reports/Inve … 7_999.html

As 3D printed rockets, car parts, and even homes begin to hit the market on Earth, L3Harris Technologies aims to leverage the International Space Station (ISS) National Laboratory in its search for durable materials to 3D print satellite components. Before 3D printed materials can be used to build more sustainable and efficient parts for spacecraft, they must be tested to ensure they can withstand the harsh environment of low Earth orbit (LEO).

Among the payloads launching on SpaceX's upcoming 27th Commercial Resupply Services (CRS) mission is a project to test an L3Harris-designed 3D printed radio frequency (RF) circuit and various 3D printed material samples. The project is a continuation of a 2021 experiment on the ISS that collected two months of data. This time, L3Harris will also test photonic material for a new technology called photonic integrated circuits. Used for satellite communications and similar to computer chips, these circuits utilize light instead of electrons in conventional electronics, similar to how light carries information in fiber optic cables for phone and internet data.

"We're excited to test the 3D printed materials for six months and compare the new results with previous ISS experiments and ground tests," said Arthur C. Paolella, senior scientist and technical fellow with L3Harris, an aerospace and defense industry leader. "The ability to 3D print materials for use in space opens up new possibilities for satellite design and construction while making spacecraft manufacturing more cost-effective and efficient."

Eduardo Rojas, director of the Wireless Devices and Electromagnetics Laboratory at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, and his students are assisting with the experiment. The investigation will utilize the MISSE Flight Facility (owned and operated by ISS National Lab Commercial Service Provider Aegis Aerospace) mounted to the exterior of the ISS. There, the material samples will experience the harshness of space in the ultimate test of their durability. The materials will be subjected to various conditions, including extreme temperatures and radiation, to validate their performance in the same environment where the satellites will operate.

"While we can test the durability of these materials on Earth against one or two of these factors at a time, on the ISS, we can test every potential hazard-and all at once," Paolella said.

Mars_B4_Moon · 2023-05-16 12:16:39

Chinese scientists develop cutting-edge tech for 3D ceramic printing in the air

https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science … ngineering

Mars_B4_Moon · 2023-05-25 03:57:51

How NASA plans to melt the Moon—and build on Mars
https://arstechnica.com/science/2023/05 … on-mars/2/
Mars Dune Alpha is also the first structure built by Icon with a 3D printed roof.

Mars_B4_Moon · 2023-06-29 14:46:27

NASA Locks 4 Volunteers Into 3D-Printed Virtual 'Mars' For Over a Year

https://science.slashdot.org/story/23/0 … ver-a-year

Four volunteers will spend the next 378 days in a simulation of Mars, facing harsh, realistic challenges in tight quarters under NASA's watchful eye in preparation for a real-life mission to the red planet.

https://nypost.com/2023/06/27/nasa-lock … er-a-year/

Nasa 3D-printed the 1,700-square-foot facility, dubbed Crew Health and Performance Exploration Analog -- or CHAPEA. It will be the longest analog mission in the agency's history. The habitat -- named Mars Dune Alpha -- will feature a kitchen, private crew quarters, and two bathrooms, with medical, work, and recreation areas. The crew will be expected to carry out "mission activities," like collecting geological samples, exercising, and practicing personal hygiene and health care, with minimal contact with their family and loved ones, according to NASA.

To capture the true essence of life on our neighboring planet, the crew must work through "environmental stressors," including limits on resources, periods of isolation, and equipment failures.

other Missions are also discussed in past threads by users
in the Mars Analogue Research Stations forums

Last edited by Mars_B4_Moon (2023-06-29 14:46:59)

Mars_B4_Moon · 2023-07-06 17:38:30

Researchers create highly conductive metallic gel for 3D printing

https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/994166

Researchers have developed a metallic gel that is highly electrically conductive and can be used to print three-dimensional (3D) solid objects at room temperature.

“3D printing has revolutionized manufacturing, but we’re not aware of previous technologies that allowed you to print 3D metal objects at room temperature in a single step,” says Michael Dickey, co-corresponding author of a paper on the work and the Camille & Henry Dreyfus Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at North Carolina State University. “This opens the door to manufacturing a wide range of electronic components and devices.”

To create the metallic gel, the researchers start with a solution of micron-scale copper particles suspended in water. The researchers then add a small amount of an indium-gallium alloy that is liquid metal at room temperature. The resulting mixture is then stirred together.

tahanson43206 · 2023-07-06 18:49:09

For Mars_B4_Moon ... re post #357

Thanks for finding and posting the link to this announcement!

For all ... please post any additional information about this development that you may find.

(th)

Mars_B4_Moon · 2023-08-03 03:58:12

Ursa Major gets additional funding for its 3D printing manufacturing facility
https://spacenews.com/ursa-major-gets-a … -facility/
The rocket propulsion startup makes 3D printed engine components in Youngstown, Ohio

'Metallic gels for conductive 3D and 4D printing'
https://www.cell.com/matter/fulltext/S2 … 23)00303-X

Mars_B4_Moon · 2023-08-12 15:21:43

CHAPEA: Going to Mars without leaving Earth

https://www.spaceflightinsider.com/orga … ing-earth/

Crew Health and Performance Exploration Analog, or CHAPEA, is a series of analog missions that simulate year-long stays on Mars in a fully 3D printed habitat called Mars Dune Alpha, situated at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston.

The design of the 1,700 square-foot habitat was carefully planned to provide areas for living and working for four crewmembers. It contains individual private quarters, a kitchen, a gym, a recreation area, a workspace, a greenhouse for crop growth activities, an area to run experiments and two bathrooms.

All of these functional spaces needed to be contained in an area about the size of a single-family home.

ICON, a company at the forefront of developing advanced construction technologies utilizing 3D printing robotics, software and cutting-edge materials, was responsible for the construction of Mars Dune Alpha.

In the construction process, ICON used a material similar to what might be utilized on an actual 3D printed Mars habitat — a regolith-based mixture.

Additive manufacturing, specifically 3D printing, showcases the promising technique of utilizing Martian resources on-site known as in-situ resource utilization. This approach eliminates the necessity of launching large quantities of building materials across multiple flights, which is prohibitively expensive.

In order to maximize the resemblance to an actual Martian habitat environment, NASA incorporated various environmental stressors into the analog mission. These include resource limitations, isolation, equipment failure and demanding workloads.

The significance of maintaining a busy, productive and purposeful crew for the duration of one year cannot be underestimated.

Mars_B4_Moon · 2023-09-20 08:10:47

Introducing Magic: Analog Sky’s New 3D Printed Binoculars for Astronomy

https://www.universetoday.com/163264/in … astronomy/

When it comes to deep sky observing versus portability, we’ve all been there. How do you balance the trade-off between big complicated optics, with something basic and simple to use? We’ll make a small confession: while big light bucket optics have their place in astronomy, only binoculars give you a true view of the sky.

Mars_B4_Moon · 2024-03-30 04:31:12

New 3D Printed Wood Heralded as Greener Alternative to Traditional Manufacturing
https://www.3dnatives.com/en/new-3d-pri … 250320244/

Unfinished 3D-printed home in north Houston to resume construction
https://www.houstonchronicle.com/busine … 371729.php

Mars_B4_Moon · 2024-04-13 00:59:10

Astrobotic Collaborates with LZH and TU Berlin on Lunar 3D Printing Project
https://www.spacedaily.com/reports/Astr … t_999.html
Astrobotic, in collaboration with Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V. (LZH) and Technical University Berlin (TU Berlin), is embarking on the MOONRISE project, aiming to implement 3D printing technology on the Moon. LZH has engaged Astrobotic for a lunar mission scheduled for late 2026, focusing on the utilization of laser technology to create lunar structures from regolith.

Mars_B4_Moon · 2024-05-17 05:10:16

India makes breakthrough by test-firing new 3D-printed rocket engine

https://www.space.com/india-test-fires- … ket-engine

Mars_B4_Moon · 2024-05-19 06:21:53

Ariane 6 will launch 3D Printing technology into space
https://www.spacedaily.com/reports/Aria … e_999.html

Europe's newest rocket, Ariane 6, is set to launch, carrying multiple space missions. One notable mission is Replicator, a project by Orbital Matter, which will demonstrate new 3D printing technology in space.
The Replicator mission, a collaboration between Warsaw, Poland, and Berlin, Germany-based startup Orbital Matter, aims to show how 3D printing can be used in orbit, potentially enabling the creation of new space structures with fewer resources.
Orbital Matter aims to become the first construction company in space, focusing on manufacturing large elements of space infrastructure directly in orbit, on the Moon, and Mars. Their method of 3D printing works without heat, making it faster to build structures in a vacuum.
3D printing was first tested in space on the International Space Station in 2014, proving useful for on-demand manufacturing of tools and spare parts. However, no 3D printing technology has been shown to work in the harsher conditions outside the Space Station in open space.
Manufacturing directly in space means that large structures could be built with fewer materials, as they don't need to withstand launch conditions. This could lead to space-based solar power plants, communication antennas, larger telescopes, and space stations.
Orbital Matter has demonstrated their 3D printing technology in a vacuum on Earth. With Ariane 6's first launch, they will perform their first in-space demonstration by printing a 50 cm-long beam from a CubeSat.
"Thanks to the ESA PUSH opportunity, we're demonstrating our 3D printer in orbit a remarkable 12 months ahead of schedule," says Jakub Stojek, CEO of Orbital Matter. "This is a great example of how European technological independence can be built in space, by fostering rapid prototyping for startups across Europe."
Robert Ihnatisin, Chief Technology Officer at Orbital Matter adds: "Ariane 6 will act as a catalyst for the renewed launch capabilities of Europe, and our experiment during its inaugural flight could help Europe become a leading player in in-space manufacturing, as we demonstrate it is indeed possible to 3D print in exposed space".
Orbital Matter's mission is supported by Paris-based launch provider RIDE! space, who organized a contest under ESA's PUSH tender. RIDE! offers a digital platform for end-to-end launch services and support with launch integration and promotion....

Mars_B4_Moon · 2024-06-03 16:59:00

First metal 3D printing on Space Station

https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Imag … ce_Station

SpaceNut · 2024-07-04 16:21:56

Texas 3D printing firm unveils next-gen construction technology: 'Something radical and courageous needs to happen'

BB1pq6w1.img?w=640&h=360&m=6

tahanson43206 · 2024-07-04 17:31:08

For SpaceNut ... Post 367 would ** surely ** interest Louis if he were still here!

Thanks for the link and the image!

Here is a snippet:

Guided by an artificial intelligent architect, Phoenix builds on ICON's Vulcan accomplishments — and we are not talking about Spock's homeworld. ICON's larger, 46-foot-wide setup is able to "print" single-story homes in volume. It helped ICON and its partners get an entire 3D community in Texas started, according to a CNN report.
Commercial UAV Expo 2024 - See the latest UAV technology
www.expouav.com

(th)

tahanson43206 · 2024-07-04 18:25:00

I am saddened to have to report that Shapeways has ceased operations after 17 years.

https://www.tctmagazine.com/additive-ma … ankruptcy/

I am grateful to Shapeways for providing services when I was just starting to learn about 3D Printing, and for allowing me to host a little shop there.

(th)

tahanson43206 · 2025-03-08 21:08:19

The video at the link below provides an overview of the state of play of 3D printing buildings. It ends with a pitch for razors.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YhAwPFIUF_4

The presentation is smooth. It is relatively balanced. A detail that I found interesting is the use of fly ash as an ingredient for the concrete paste that is extruded by the 3D print head. Another detail is the use of a nozzle that can rotate to facilitate rounded end points for walls.

***
For the record, I am working on an order placed by a neighbor for platters for outdoor plants. I completed printing of 8 smaller platters, and am now working on the part of the order for 10 large platters that each take half a day to print. The machine just keeps quietly churning out precision products with very little work on my part. This printer is the result of four years of development by the manufacturer. I still have the original version that may never work again, because it is so finicky to set up, and I suspect it has stretched out of shape during prior service, but I can't see anything that is out of order.

(th)

tahanson43206 · 2025-04-05 10:15:52

The article at the link below is about a 3D printer technology developed in Spain to use local materials to make home shell structures.

The breakthrough is to use local materials (soil and some vegetation) to make the mixture that is delivered under computer control.

https://www.yahoo.com/tech/articles/des … 30970.html

The Cool Down
Designers unveil stunning 3D-printed home made from a surprising material — and it's changing the future of construction
Leslie Sattler
Fri, April 4, 2025 at 7:30 AM EDT
2 min read
Designers unveil stunning 3D-printed home made from a surprising material — and it's changing the future of construction
Spain's first 3D-printed building is changing construction as we know it.
The TOVA project, developed by the Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia, is a sustainable solution for housing shortages and environmental concerns.
This innovative structure achieves what once seemed impossible: a near-zero carbon footprint and zero waste production. Completed in just seven weeks, it demonstrates how technology can work with nature rather than against it.
The team behind TOVA recognized a pressing problem: Traditional construction methods produce enormous amounts of pollution and fail to address global housing needs. Their answer was to combine ancient building materials — local earth — with cutting-edge 3D printing technology.
As UGREEN_US (@UGREENUS) highlighted, the resulting building features walls with air cavities for natural insulation and a design that maximizes outdoor living space. By using primarily local soil mixed with organic fibers and enzymes, the construction process slashes the carbon output that typically comes from manufacturing and transporting building materials.
For homeowners, this approach could mean speedier construction times and lower costs. The technology reduces material usage by 50% while creating structures that naturally regulate humidity and improve ventilation. The result is more comfortable homes that are healthier to live in.
Watch now: How bad is a gas stove for your home's indoor air quality?
This building method can be adapted for various uses, from single-family homes to office buildings to public amenities. It can even be used to whip up shelters for communities with housing challenges due to climate shifts or migration.
The TOVA project wasn't created in isolation. It represents a collaboration among IAAC, 3D printing technology provider WASP, U.N.-Habitat, and other partners committed to finding practical answers to our housing and environmental challenges.
What makes this approach especially promising is its adaptability. The technique can be implemented nearly anywhere in the world, using materials found locally rather than shipped from distant factories.
3D-printed earth buildings show how intelligent design and appropriate technology can create homes that cost less to build and maintain and also tread lightly on our shared environment.

(th)

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#351 2023-04-13 12:30:31

Re: 3D Printers

#352 2023-04-27 13:00:41

Re: 3D Printers

#353 2023-05-12 18:55:51

Re: 3D Printers

#354 2023-05-16 12:16:39

Re: 3D Printers

#355 2023-05-25 03:57:51

Re: 3D Printers

#356 2023-06-29 14:46:27

Re: 3D Printers

#357 2023-07-06 17:38:30

Re: 3D Printers

#358 2023-07-06 18:49:09

Re: 3D Printers

#359 2023-08-03 03:58:12

Re: 3D Printers

#360 2023-08-12 15:21:43

Re: 3D Printers

#361 2023-09-20 08:10:47

Re: 3D Printers

#362 2024-03-30 04:31:12

Re: 3D Printers

#363 2024-04-13 00:59:10

Re: 3D Printers

#364 2024-05-17 05:10:16

Re: 3D Printers

#365 2024-05-19 06:21:53

Re: 3D Printers

#366 2024-06-03 16:59:00

Re: 3D Printers

#367 2024-07-04 16:21:56

Re: 3D Printers

#368 2024-07-04 17:31:08

Re: 3D Printers

#369 2024-07-04 18:25:00

Re: 3D Printers

#370 2025-03-08 21:08:19

Re: 3D Printers

#371 2025-04-05 10:15:52

Re: 3D Printers

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