Analysis of specimens from phase I of the 3D printing in Zero G technology demonstration mission

作者：Tracie J. Prater, Quincy Bean, Niki Werkheiser, Richard Grguel, Ron Beshears, Terry D. Rolin, Tim Huff, Richard M. Ryan, Frank E. Ledbetter, Erick Ordonez · 发表于：Rapid Prototyping Journal · 年份：2017 · DOI：10.1108/rpj-09-2016-0142 · 被引用次数：66 · 研究领域：Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing Technologies、Space Exploration and Technology、Spaceflight effects on biology

Purpose Human space exploration to date has been limited to low Earth orbit and the moon. The International Space Station (ISS) provides a unique opportunity for researchers to prove out the technologies that will enable humans to safely live and work in space for longer periods and venture farther into the solar system. The ability to manufacture parts in-space rather than launch them from earth represents a fundamental shift in the current risk and logistics paradigm for human space exploration. The purpose of this mission is to prove out the fused deposition modeling (FDM) process in the microgravity environment, evaluate microgravity effects on the materials manufactured, and provide the first demonstration of on-demand manufacturing for space exploration. Design/methodology/approach In 2014, NASA, in cooperation with Made in Space, Inc., launched a 3D printer to the ISS with the goal of evaluating the effect of microgravity on the fused deposition modeling (FDM) process and prove out the technology for use on long duration, long endurance missions where it could leveraged to reduce logistics requirements and enhance crew safety by enabling a rapid response capability. This paper presents the results of testing of the first phase of prints from the technology demonstration mission, where 21 parts where printed on orbit and compared against analogous specimens produced using the printer prior to its launch to ISS. Findings Mechanical properties, dimensional variations, str...