3D Printing In Space: A New Dimension (Photo Gallery)

By Space.com Staff
published

Peering Into Electron Beam Chamber

EADS

Andy Hawkins, Lead ALM Engineer peering into the Electron beam chamber watching the beam scan the surface - Located at the Centre for Additive Layer Manufacturing (CALM). This image was released Dec. 17, 2009.

Improved 3D Parts

Cranfield University

This image shows improved 3D printing parts. ESA and the European Commission have embarked on a project to perfect the printing of space-quality metal components. The AMAZE project – Additive Manufacturing Aiming Towards Zero Waste and Efficient Production of High-Tech Metal Products – involves 28 industrial partners across Europe. This image was released May 4, 2013

Laser Sintering Nylon 12 Powder Material

EADS

Chris Turner, ALM Engineer, preparing the control system for laser sintering nylon 12 powder material - Located at the Centre for Additive Layer Manufacturing (CALM).

Comparison of Improved Parts

EADS

Foreground: Sandwich structure aerofoil demonstrator in Titanium; Middle: Topology optimised A380 bracket in stainless steel; Background: Conventional A380 bracket in stainless steel - All produced at the Centre for Additive Layer Manufacturing (CALM) using the Electron beam and laser chambers.

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Space.com Staff
Space.com Staff
News and editorial team

Space.com is the premier source of space exploration, innovation and astronomy news, chronicling (and celebrating) humanity's ongoing expansion across the final frontier. Originally founded in 1999, Space.com is, and always has been, the passion of writers and editors who are space fans and also trained journalists. Our current news team consists of Editor-in-Chief Tariq Malik; Editor Hanneke Weitering, Senior Space Writer Mike Wall; Senior Writer Meghan Bartels; Senior Writer Chelsea Gohd, Senior Writer Tereza Pultarova and Staff Writer Alexander Cox, focusing on e-commerce. Senior Producer Steve Spaleta oversees our space videos, with Diana Whitcroft as our Social Media Editor.