People should not confused 3D printers with star trek replicator that work by rearranging subatomic particles, which are abundant everywhere in the universe, to form molecules and arrange those molecules to form the object.That is beyond today's technology.Way too many subatomic particles to move around and for computer to keep track of them all.May be if we had quantum computers they would be powerful enough? But today's computers are too crude.
Quote from: nec207 on 04/13/2014 02:32 amPeople should not confused 3D printers with star trek replicator that work by rearranging subatomic particles, which are abundant everywhere in the universe, to form molecules and arrange those molecules to form the object.That is beyond today's technology.Way too many subatomic particles to move around and for computer to keep track of them all.May be if we had quantum computers they would be powerful enough? But today's computers are too crude.Anyone confused about that should look at all the amazing things we can do with nothing like that level of technology, as mentioned above. Take the organ printing for example. You are working at a comparatively crude level and letting the cells do all the really complex stuff of connecting to their neighbors. Maybe one day we will be printing titanium boned, dinosaur shaped chickens with technology like that.. but what do startrek script writers use those molecule-accurate replicators for? a cup of tea.
In regards to using 3D printer for creating spares for Space station. Currently there may only be a few percent of spares needed that can be printed because ISS was never designed for spares to be printed in space. Future space stations will be designed to make the maximum use of 3D printers for spares manufacturing. This may involve rationalising materials so bulk of components are made from printable materials.
10 minutes into video on this link. Adam talks about Spacex 3D printing engine parts. http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=34774.msg1200447.msg#1200447
Lockheed are also embracing 3D printing.http://www.3ders.org/articles/20140519-lockheed-uses-3d-printing-and-virtual-pathfinding-to-lower-satellite-costs.html
Each SuperDraco produces 16,000 pounds of thrust and can be restarted multiple times if necessary. In addition, the engines have the ability to deep throttle, providing astronauts with precise control and enormous power. The SuperDraco engine chamber is manufactured using state-of-the-art direct metal laser sintering (DMLS), otherwise known as 3D printing. The chamber is regeneratively cooled and printed in Inconel, a high-performance superalloy that offers both high strength and toughness for increased reliability.“Through 3D printing, robust and high-performing engine parts can be created at a fraction of the cost and time of traditional manufacturing methods,” said Elon Musk, Chief Designer and CEO. “SpaceX is pushing the boundaries of what additive manufacturing can do in the 21st century, ultimately making our vehicles more efficient, reliable and robust than ever before.
The National Research Council will appoint an ad hoc committee to explore the implications of space-based additive manufacturing technologies for space operations and the manufacture of space hardware. In conducting the study and preparing its report the committee will: Assess the current state of additive manufacturing in the United States and worldwide (especially in the aerospace industries, universities, and national laboratories engaged in the design and manufacture of small satellites or respective subassemblies); Characterize the future states envisioned by the aerospace industries, universities, and national laboratories with respect to additive manufacturing and aerospace systems; Discuss the feasibility of the concept of space-based additive manufacturing of space hardware (including, but not limited to, a fully functional small spacecraft) that can conduct or enable missions of relevance to NASA, the Air Force, and/or the national security space communities; Identify the science and technology gaps between current additive manufacturing capabilities and the capabilities required to enable a space-based additive manufacturing concept, including those gaps that current trends indicate may be closed with commercial investments in additive manufacturing and those gaps that are likely to require dedicated investments by the federal government. Assess the implications that a space-based additive manufacturing capability would have on launch requirements (e.g., launching raw materials versus fully assembled spacecraft); overall satellite and payload designs; and in-space operations, such as possible reductions in mass and their implications for activities such as maneuverability.
What exactly is the name and type of machine that manufactures the SuperDraco engine, which Musk says is 3D-printed? What technology is this 3d printer based upon?
Quote from: sanman on 06/01/2014 03:20 amWhat exactly is the name and type of machine that manufactures the SuperDraco engine, which Musk says is 3D-printed? What technology is this 3d printer based upon?It's an EOS DMLS (Direct Metal Laser Sintering) machine. From Musk on Twitter:https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/375737311641628672/photo/1
Quote from: TrevorMonty on 05/23/2014 12:11 amLockheed are also embracing 3D printing.http://www.3ders.org/articles/20140519-lockheed-uses-3d-printing-and-virtual-pathfinding-to-lower-satellite-costs.htmlyou forgot that fantantisish video(YouTube video snipped: ?v=perMGY0oajs)
The second PISCES-NASA project involves 3D printing on a construction scale using basalt. Here on Earth, 3-D printers are already building houses using recycled materials. In space, however, blasting construction materials via a rocket is too costly. Basalt could be the key to building infrastructure in space using robots. Because Hawaii’s basalt is so similar to the regolith found on Mars and the Moon, it could be used to 3D print shelters, landing pads, and tools ‘in-situ’ – or on-site- on other planets