|
3D printers have been growing in popularity recently, and people using them have ranged from amateur inventors to engineers. These printers can make all kinds of 3D structures, including tools, toys, and even specialized custom machine parts. NASA has been evaluating a host of 3D printers, and it won’t be long before one gets sent into space. NASA missions have to include planning for all sorts of contingencies, including items breaking and bringing along spare parts. Having a means to create tools and spare parts on the fly could be a huge asset. Working in the low gravity environment of space provides additional challenges for machinery and equipment. What easily works on Earth doesn’t always work as well in space. In addition to low gravity, 3D printers also have to deal with extra vibrations from launch, differing air pressures, and variable temperatures. In order to test these printers, NASA used what many refer to as the “vomit comet”, which is a reduced gravity plane. NASA uses planes and specialized maneuvers which will gave the planes a “zero gravity”- like experience for short periods of time. These planes are used for equipment testing and were also used for the zero gravity scenes in the movie Apollo 13. Like all things sent into space, the 3D printers need to be evaluated and tested in a cleanroom. Cleanrooms are controlled environments which are designed to keep particulates out of the room. Cleanrooms may also require those working within the room to wear specialized clothing, like gloves, lab coats, protective head coverings and many other items. NASA is still working on testing 3D printers, and it will need to meet a few unique requirements. Gases that are emitted from the extruded plastics will need to be captured, and some of the plastics should have some means of being recycled. Furthermore, the printer should be capable of printing its own replacement parts.
Related Articles -
3d printer, cleanroom, clean room, NASA, space testing, international space station, low gravity, critical environment, controlled environment,
|
