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[IMG]http://images.spaceref.com/news/2011/ooZeroG_UpsideDown.jpg[/IMG]
MADE IN SPACE team members Adam Ellsworth, Brinson White and Jason Dunn wave to the camera while testing multiple 3D printers in zero-gravity.
ELLINGTON FIELD, TX - July 28, 2011 - MADE IN SPACE, a start-up dedicated to providing solutions for manufacturing in space, announced the successful completion of testing 3D printers in zero-gravity. The test took place on multiple zero-gravity flights provided by NASA's Flight Opportunities Program. Two modified off-the-shelf 3D printers were tested, including one provided by their partner 3D Systems, a leading provider of 3D printing solutions. The company also tested a custom-made printer that's designed to manufacture structures in space.
Several objects were printed during the flight, including a scaled-down wrench that became the first ever tool printed through partial zero-gravity. They also built a part that was designed by Within Technologies to be optimized for complete strength-to-mass ratio.
MADE IN SPACE believes the advantages of 3D printing -- limited material waste, the ability to build complex geometries, immediate production time, and minimal human involvement required -- make it the perfect manufacturing system for outer space.
"3D printing and in-space manufacturing will dramatically change the way we look at space exploration, commercialization, and mission design today." said Aaron Kemmer, CEO and Co-Founder of MADE IN SPACE. "The possibilities range from building on-demand parts for human missions to building large space habitats that are optimized for space."
Once the printers and material are set in space, missions will have the freedom to build what they need when they need it and not have to rely on transport from Earth.
The company flew the printers in order to better understand how 3D printing works in a space-like environment.
"Based on past research, we already knew that 3D printing works in zero-g to some degree. The question we are answering is how well does it work." said Jason Dunn, CTO and co-founder.
For the flight, MADE IN SPACE partnered with Autodesk,a world leader in 3D design, engineering and entertainment software, who provided software and techniques to optimize space-based design principles for practical applications.
The test in zero-gravity is a crucial first step for the company. Over the next month, they will be conducting post-flight analysis, and have plans for further zero-gravity testing over the upcoming year. For more information and on-going updates from their experiments, visit [url]www.madeinspace.us[/url].
MADE IN SPACE working in Houston, TX at NASA Johnson Space Center for microgravity testing. MADE IN SPACE members in the photo include Jason Dunn, Brinson White, Mike Snyder, Alison Lewis, Adam Ellsworth, and Aaron Kemmer.
Contact: Alison Lewis
646-894-089
[email]alison@madeinspace.us[/email]
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Source: [url]http://www.spaceref.com/news/viewpr.html?pid=34249[/url]
Cool, now we can create the tools that the Astronauts use for a fraction of the price. And even if they lose them they can make a new one
So when do we start 3D printing ships?
I'll make a 3D print of my dick and send it to chicks, postage will be quite expensive though
Really though, we're getting closer to a real Space Age!
If I've learned anything from the ultra-realistic space simulator, Space Station 13, this will only lead to people creating unauthorized multitools and cutting life support.
Very good, 3D printers are some of the coolest things out there.
I love 3D printers.
I want a 3d printer
[QUOTE=Protocol7;31636410]So when do we start 3D printing ships?[/QUOTE]
You'd need a bloody big 3D printer, even for something as small as a starfighter. Ye'd probably need some pretty strong crafting materials, too, although carbon fibre's pretty lightweight and resilient if correctly used, isn't it?
Nonetheless this is awesome.
kinda related, I was looking for stuff about 3d printers and found this offer: [url]https://h30413.www3.hp.com/GAP/country/uk/en/contact_3dp.aspx[/url]
[quote]Complimentary 3D model! Send us your 3D design and get a FREE 3D Model printed on the HP Designjet 3D Printer1
If you want to create models or prototypes using 3D printing and you are considering the purchase of a 3D Printer, register here to receive information and a 3D model printed from one of your own designs.[/quote]
[QUOTE=peaceful guy;31638060]kinda related, I was looking for stuff about 3d printers and found this offer: [url]https://h30413.www3.hp.com/GAP/country/uk/en/contact_3dp.aspx[/url][/QUOTE]
[quote]This offer is only available in UK, Spain, and Italy.[/quote]
:saddowns:
You wouldn't download a rocket ship.
Now I can download a car in space.
That guy has big eyebrows.
[QUOTE=ironman17;31637991]You'd need a bloody big 3D printer, even for something as small as a starfighter. Ye'd probably need some pretty strong crafting materials, too, although carbon fibre's pretty lightweight and resilient if correctly used, isn't it?
Nonetheless this is awesome.[/QUOTE]
Probably would have to print them in a few pieces. It would make it easier to transport too. Carbon fiber is very strong and lightweight, although rather expensive.
I have a plastex Apollo 80 Kayak which is over 5 meters long. It is made out of carbon fiber and weighs only 11.97 kg. The only other thing worth mentioning is that a new sprint kayak costs in the $3000-$5000 range thanks to the price of the material.
Carbon fiber, or the newer carbon nanotubes would certainly provide enough strength.
[quote=Wikipedia]In 2000, a multi-walled carbon nanotube was tested to have a tensile strength of 63 gigapascals (GPa).(For illustration, this translates into the ability to endure tension of a weight equivalent to 6422 kg on a cable with cross-section of 1 mm2.)[/quote]
In about 5 years those printers will be probably way cheaper than today. Not really worth to buy one right now.
Can't wait a few years to pirate a hooker
[QUOTE=AkonTriangle;31662571]Can't wait a few years to pirate a hooker[/QUOTE]
That's like downloading a blow-up doll. Dude just no.
[QUOTE=Protocol7;31636410]So when do we start 3D printing ships?[/QUOTE]
In theory, it's already possible if you can replicate a model of the printer that is large enough. However, the ship itself will still requires to be "printed" into parts in multiple layers and requires assembly.
[QUOTE=DJFender;31662703]That's like downloading a blow-up doll. Dude just no.[/QUOTE]
It would be more like downloading a store mannequin.
[QUOTE=DJFender;31662703]That's like downloading a blow-up doll. Dude just no.[/QUOTE]so what's the problem?
Space would be an ideal environment for this technology. With spare parts or tools weeks and months away, the ability to manufacture emergency spares on-site would be lifesaving. I could see the entire ISS being abandoned in an emergency for want of a $20 part that they didn't have a spare for, and couldn't get launched from Earth for months.
Soon we'll have this:
[IMG]http://images3.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20050917222913/memoryalpha/en/images/d/d6/Coffee_replicates_then_mug.jpg[/IMG]
Am I the only person thinking "space dock"? Think about how much money we could save by printing/replicating parts in orbit and constructing ships in space as opposed to launching them from the ground. I'm betting it's enough to push our space programs ahead by a large margin.
I wonder if you could print food...I mean, you know, make sure the paper that goes in is edible and you've got really long lasting food supplies.
[QUOTE=MajorMattem;31668575]I wonder if you could print food...I mean, you know, make sure the paper that goes in is edible and you've got really long lasting food supplies.[/QUOTE]
If they make any breakthroughs in molecule-building (Help me! TELL ME THE REAL TERM!) and with proper materials I don't see why not.
[QUOTE=Kabstraction;31636634]I'll make a 3D print of my dick and send it to chicks, postage will be quite expensive though [/QUOTE]
That's the magic part! You just scan your dick on 3D scanner and fax it. It prints on 3D printer of the recepient.
[QUOTE=Awesomecaek;31696717]That's the magic part! You just scan your dick on 3D scanner and fax it. It prints on 3D printer of the recepient.[/QUOTE]
A new meaning for the raid technique "Black-Faxing"
I've never quite understood what these things do, can anyone tell me what 3D printing is about?
[QUOTE=carcarcargo;31698964]I've never quite understood what these things do, can anyone tell me what 3D printing is about?[/QUOTE]
[url]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3D_printing[/url]
[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZboxMsSz5Aw[/media]
god damn 3d printer is the future.
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