The Virtual Foundry’s Post

Resharing this exciting development: 3D steel printing has officially made its mark on the International Space Station! 🚀 As a steel company, we're thrilled to witness the evolution of manufacturing in space. This groundbreaking technology not only revolutionizes how we think about in-orbit construction but also holds immense potential for advancements in steel production and innovation on Earth. The possibilities for lighter, stronger, and more sustainable materials in extreme conditions are endless. We look forward to seeing how this technology shapes the future of both space exploration and industry here at home. What are your thoughts on this game-changing milestone? #SteelInnovation #3DPrinting #FutureOfManufacturing #SpaceExploration"

In the lead-up to Additive Manufacturing Advantage Aerospace, Space & Defense, you can read insights from guest speaker Paul Gradl, a principal engineer in NASA‘s component technology development group. In this interview, he discusses the role of #3DPrinting in the development and production of space rockets. #AMAdvantage #FIA2024 #PAS2025 #AMAA

Giant leap for in-orbit manufacturing - seeding several dreams. One of ESA’s goals for future development is to create a circular space economy and recycle materials in orbit to allow for a better use of resource, such as repurposing bits from old satellites into new tools or structures. An operational version of this metal 3D printer would eliminate the need to send a tool up with a rocket and allow the astronauts to print the needed parts in orbit. https://lnkd.in/g4bQGEMt

Space could be 3D printing’s killer app. Curt Hall looks at a wide array of 3D printing applications in the space industry, including earth-based spacecraft parts manufacture and space-based 3D printing with plastic, metal, locally sourced materials and even bioprinting. The advancement of this versatile technology "will support both human and robotic missions and lay the foundation for a sustainable human presence in the cosmos." Learn more below or here: https://lnkd.in/eV6sMVjH #space #spaceexploration #3dprinting #amplify Arthur D. Little, SpaceX, European Space Agency - ESA, Relativity Space, NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Tethers Unlimited, Inc., Technische Universität Braunschweig, ICON, Redwire Space

Leveraging Bayesian approaches with Hierarchical Gaussian Process Regression to conduct probabilistic printability assessments in metal additive manufacturing, with a case study in refractory multi-principal element alloys (RMPEAs). Thanks to our students, my collaborators (Raymundo Arroyave and Ibrahim Karaman), and to the support from NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration and National Science Foundation (NSF) #additivemanufacturing #3dprinting #modeling #Bayesian

A new opportunity of Additive Manufacturing for defying zero gravity in the space.

🚀 Aerospace Industry Evolution with Honeycomb Structures! 🚀 In aerospace engineering, every gram counts. Honeycomb structures—built from hexagonal cells like those in a beehive have redefined what’s possible in rocket and spacecraft design. Inspired by nature, these structures offer unparalleled strength-to-weight ratios, helping rockets carry more fuel or payload while remaining light and efficient. The journey started with aluminum honeycombs in the Apollo era, but today, advanced composites and 3D printing are taking this technology to new heights. Imagine rocket panels that are custom-printed, tailored for specific stress points, and even adaptive to dynamic forces! The result? Rockets that are lighter, stronger, and capable of going farther than ever before. From early missions to Mars exploration, honeycomb technology is pushing the boundaries of space travel. It’s incredible to think how nature’s design continues to inspire our path to the stars. 🌌 #AerospaceInnovation #HoneycombStructures #Biomimicry #SpaceTechnology #RocketDesign #3DPrinting #Composites #SpaceExploration #EngineeringExcellence #FutureTech

Nine years ago, NASA made history by unboxing its first additively manufactured part created in space at the International Space Station (ISS) 🪐. This milestone marked a revolutionary moment in the future of manufacturing. Traditionally, astronauts had to wait for months to receive necessary parts from Earth, but the advent of 3D printing technology changed that paradigm. This breakthrough not only highlights the efficiency and adaptability of AM but also underscores its critical role in space exploration. The ability to produce parts on-demand in space reduces dependency on Earth-bound supply chains and enhances the self-sufficiency of space missions. The implications of this technology extend beyond space. On Earth, additive manufacturing is poised to transform wide array of industries! This was demonstrated few months ago when AFRL shared an insightful video on a recently designed, printed, built and hot fired first-ever, single-block rocket-engine thrust chamber additively manufactured using a process called laser powder directed energy deposition. Read more: https://lnkd.in/dbKzuPsJ As someone who is currently pursuing advanced research at the intersection of advanced manufacturing/materials, be sure to expect more insightful discussion from this space. Dear dreamers, stay connected! We’ve got a lot to unwind together. Adebowale Odumuwagun #TheFutureOfManufacturing #EngineeringSolution #shape #theworld #additivemanufacturing 📸 credit: https://lnkd.in/dHJtcG4w

During a NASA #microgravity flight, researchers from Iowa State University and the University of Wisconsin-Madison have tested how a #printer would work in the #ZeroGravity of space. The #ink used in this printer featured #silver #nanoparticles made with biobased #polymers. The printer uses a #3Dprinting process that jets ink under an #electric field, which could eliminate the need for #gravity to help deposit ink. If the technology used in this printer works in zero gravity, astronauts could use such a printer to make electric circuits for #spacecraft or equipment repairs or to manufacture high-value #electronic components. https://lnkd.in/gCEGgrx2 (Work funded by NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration) Fei Liu Shan Jiang Hantang Qin Tyler Kirscht liangkui jiang Xuepeng Jiang Matthew Marander Ricardo Ortega

🔎 We’re delighted to share the 5 biggest #laser #industry #trends shaping up in 2024, along with insights from our CEO Antanas Laurutis. One of the major trends is NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s continuous attempts to develop space-based laser communications technology, with the ultimate objective of supporting human flights to Mars. Meanwhile, here on Earth, Humane’s innovative Ai Pin, fueled by the power of lasers and AI, is set to disrupt the smartphone industry. 🔗 Explore the full article: https://lnkd.in/gMs5ws2V? ⏰Stay tuned for more insights! #AiPin #laserindustry #NASA #businesstrends #technology