Metal Additive Manufacturing for Satellites and Rockets

Abstract

The emerging technology of 3D printing can not only be used for rapid prototyping, but will also play an important role in space exploration. Additive manufactured parts can be used in diverse space applications, such as magnetic shields, heat pipes, thrusters, etc. Three-dimensional printed parts offer reduced mass, high possible complexity, and fast printability of custom-made objects. On the other hand, materials which are not excessively damaged by the harsh conditions in space and are also printable by available technologies are not abundantly available. This review gives an overview of recent metal additive manufacturing technologies and their possible applications in space, with a focus on satellites and rockets, highlighting already applied technologies and materials and gives an outlook on possible future applications and challenges.

Conformable Multifunctional Space Fabric by Metal 3D Printing for Collision Hazard Protection and Self-Powered Monitoring

“…Thus, it is definitely the most promising solution to utilize the equipment and materials available on-site for the preparation of the required supplies and tools. 3D printing technology also known as additive manufacturing (AM) technology, which has a wide range of applications in the medical, , aerospace, , and construction fields , by using metal powders, , ceramics, , or polymers , (perfectly suitable for the wide materials selections of TENG) to prepare simple or complex parts by combining the advantages of standardized and customized production to produce parts with high strength, lightweight, and outstanding mechanical properties. − Through the innovative prowess of 3D printing, astronauts are bestowed with the power to manufacture essential components, equipment, and replacements in real time, precisely tailored to the unique demands of each mission. − The remarkable ability eliminates the need for reliance on earth supply, thus streamlining logistics and significantly elevating mission sustainability and reliability. Additionally, 3D printing technology obviates the necessity to premanufacture and package large quantities of equipment instead of manufacturing what is needed on demand in real time.…”

Investigation of Low-Cost FDM-Printed Polymers for Elevated-Temperature Applications

“…One of the typical temperatures necessary for biotechnological applications is 121 °C, used for autoclaving, which often prevents some typical biocompatible low-cost FDM printing materials, such as PLA, from being used in this area [ 13 , 14 , 15 ]. On the other hand, applications in space necessitate working with materials that are temperature-resistant against heat and also coldness, which may be complicated for polymers and often results in using metal 3D printing for these applications [ 16 , 17 , 18 ]. However, in particular, microsatellite parts are often prepared in universities and partly even schools, which normally do not have access to metal printing [ 19 ].…”

Systematic evaluation of agarose- and agar-based bioinks for extrusion-based bioprinting of enzymatically active hydrogels

“…While initially mostly applied for visualization models and rapid prototyping, the advancement of printing technologies and materials has made 3D printing a more commonly applied method for the fabrication of working prototypes and even functional parts for end use ( Gibson et al, 2021 ). This can be mainly attributed to the availability of AM methods allowing the fabrication of parts with excellent mechanical stability, e.g., made from metal ( Blachowicz et al, 2021 ) or ceramics ( Chen et al, 2019 ), that can be employed in demanding applications. Many fields, ranging from the aerospace ( Joshi and Sheikh, 2015 ), automotive ( Leal et al, 2017 ) and construction ( Wu et al, 2016 ) industry to the chemical engineering ( Parra-Cabrera et al, 2018 ) and biotechnology ( Krujatz et al, 2017 ) sector, are investigating how to exploit the new possibilities provided by 3D printing.…”