Jun 4, 2015 | By Simon
Ever since Made in Space launched their ‘Zero-G 3D Printer’ into space and onto the International Space Station nearly a year ago, the 3D printing and space communities have been mesmerized by what this could possibly mean for the future of space exploration and manufacturing.
While the ability to design and manufacture products in space is certainly a breakthrough in itself, other developments that occurred through Made in Space’s partnership with NASA even further proved that the ability to create products in space with a 3D printer isn’t as far off as we thought. Among the developments included a 3D CAD file that was emailed from a computer on Earth to the International Space Station (ISS) and subsequently 3D printed by astronaut Barry "Butch" Wilmore, as well as Made in Space’s announcement that they would be selling NASA-approved filaments to makers to experiment with creating their own various part and tool designs that could be recreated in space.
Unsurprisingly, this partnership between Made in Space and NASA certainly inspired other 3D printer manufacturers and space organizations to experiment and develop their own anti-gravity additive manufacturing systems. Among them is China’s Tiertime Technology Co., Ltd.
The Beijing-based company - known as a leading innovator in the 3D printing industry in China - has developed everything from a range of 3D printers including the desktop UP series and the industrial-sized Inspire series to various various filaments and software.
Now, the company has teamed up with a Chinese aerospace institution to develop their own anti-gravity 3D printer similar to Made in Space’s Zero-G Printer that is based off of their already-successful desktop 3D printer, the UP Plus 2.
The partnership between the 3D printer manufacturer and aerospace research company includes a collaboration of design, research and innovation in 3D printing technology in an effort to spur further adoption and development of 3D printing technology in China's Aerospace Industry.
Starting with the existing UP Plus 2 3D printer as a foundation, those working on the project will further research and develop design improvements for making the machine better-equipped for printing in a gravity-free environment. Among other features that they are expecting to work on include the cooling system, the material feeding system, the extruder movement control system, the distance between the nozzle and the platform, the fixation of the 3D Printer and other factors involved with securing both the machine itself as well as the parts that reside within it.
"As a world-leading 3D printing company, Tiertime uses constant innovation as a driving force of its development," said Guo Ge, CEO of Tiertime. "It is one of our goals to develop 3D printing technology that meets the research and development needs of the Aerospace Industry. Through this cooperation with one of China's aerospace institutions, we are very confident that we will accomplish this goal."
The announcement comes as China is pushing additive manufacturing technologies in various industries at an increasing rate as a part of the strategic plan of "Made in China 2025" that was recently laid out by Chinese Government. The move towards creating an anti-gravity 3D printing solution appears to be a natural progression for Chinese 3D printer manufacturers.
"We have been working with Tiertime since 2004, and have been using Tiertime's industrial 3D printers for product prototyping in Aerospace research and development, which has involved large and complicated products with thin shells,” said a manager who is working on the project.
“Working with Tiertime's 3D Printer has saved a lot of money and time in product verification. Our successful cooperation in the past has laid a solid foundation for this new innovative project. We hope that it will achieve success again!"
Posted in 3D Printers
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