China Validates 3D Printing Technology For The First Time In Space

A "composite space 3D printer" independently developed by China and its two samples printed on orbit successfully returned to the Dongfeng landing site with the return cabin of China's new-generation manned spacecraft test ship.

This is China's first orbital 3D printing test and the world's first space-based 3D printing of continuous carbon fiber reinforced composite materials.　　

At 1:58 on May 7, this set of space 3D printing system developed by the China Institute of Space Technology 529 factory completed the scheduled task. The images downloaded by the spacecraft showed that the two samples were printed successfully and clearly distinguishable. The researchers will also conduct further performance testing and comprehensive evaluation of the returned printers and samples.

According to reports, carbon fiber has always been a lightweight and high-strength material widely used in aerospace. Continuous carbon fiber has significant significance for the performance improvement of composite materials. The two samples of this 3D printing have realized the continuous filament of carbon fiber, which has laid an important technical foundation for the future application of 3D printing of composite materials in space.

China Academy of Space Technology pointed out that this printing system also realizes unattended and automatic control of all processes.

At the same time, this experiment also achieved a comprehensive verification of the mechanism of 3D printing by microgravity. In addition, the new generation of manned spacecraft test ship is also equipped with the world ’s first cubic star deployer based on metal 3D printing technology.

This flight verified the structural strength, material performance and space environment adaptability of the new 3D printed deployer. "The deployer manufactured by 3D printing is half the weight of traditional mechanical processing products, and the processing cycle has been shortened from the past few months to one week, leading the traditional processing method. The application prospects of 3D printing technology in the aerospace field will become more and more attractive. "Bai Ruixue, Chief Operating Officer of Xingzhong Space, said.

sla 3d printer, 3d printer sla, sla 3d printing , sla 3d printers, stereolithography 3d printer, sla machine