The 3D Printing In Zero-G Technology Demonstration serves as a proof-of-concept test of the properties of melt deposition modeling additive manufacturing in the microgravity environment of the International Space Station (ISS). The lessons learned from this technology demonstration can be applied in the next generation of melt deposition modeling in the permanent NanoRacks Additive Manufacturing Facility (AMF), as well as for any future additive manufacturing technology. This includes any future additive manufacturing technologies NASA may plan to use, such as metals or electronics in-space manufacturing, on both the ISS and Deep Space Missions. This demonstration is the first step towards realizing a machine shop in space, a critical enabling component of any Deep Space Mission. The 3D Printing In Zero-G payload is a product of commercial company Made In Space, Inc. (MIS), and will be acquired by NASA through a Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase III contract. The project’s goal is to raise the technology readiness level (TRL) of the 3D Printing In Zero-G printer technology from 5 to 6, making it the first demonstration of additive manufacturing in space. In addition, the lessons learned are infused into
This includes any future additive manufacturing technologies NASA may plan to use, such as metals or electronics in-space manufacturing, on both the ISS and Deep Space Missions. This demonstration is the first step towards realizing a machine shop in space, a critical enabling component of any Deep Space Mission. The 3D Printing In Zero-G payload is a product of commercial company Made In Space, Inc. (MIS), and will be acquired by NASA through a Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase III contract. The project’s goal is to raise the technology readiness level (TRL) of the 3D Printing In Zero-G printer technology from 5 to 6, making it the first demonstration of additive manufacturing in space. In addition, the lessons learned are infused into industry with the production of the permanent Additive Manufacturing Facility (AMF).
This project provides:
The first demonstration of additive manufacturing in space
A detailed analysis of how acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) thermoplastic resin behaves in microgravity
A comparison between additive manufacturing in Earth’s gravity and in consistent, long-term exposure to microgravity (insufficient in parabolic flights due to “print-pause” style of printing)
Advance the TRL of additive manufacturing processes to provide risk reduction, and capabilities, to future flight or mission development programs
The gateway to fabricating parts on-demand in space, thus reducing the need for spare parts on the mission manifest
A technology with the promise to provide a significant return on investment, by enabling future NASA missions that would not be feasible without the capability to manufacture parts in situ
The first step towards evolving additive manufacturing for use in space, and on Deep Space Missions.
Description
In addition to safely integrating into the Microgravity Science Glovebox (MSG), the 3D Print requirements include the production of a 3D multi-layer object(s) that generate data (operational parameters, dimensional control, mechanical properties) to enhance understanding of the 3D printing process in space. Thus, some of the prints were selected to provide information on the tensile, flexure, compressional, and torque strength of the printed materials and objects. Coupons to demonstrate tensile, flexure, and compressional strength were chosen from the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards. Multiple copies of these coupons are planned for printing to obtain knowledge of strength variance and the implications of feedstock age. Each printed part is compared to a duplicate part printed on Earth. These parts are compared in dimensions, layer thickness, layer adhesion, relative strength, and relative flexibility. Data obtained in the comparison of Earth- and space-based printing are used to refine Earth-based 3D printing technologies for terrestrial and space-based applications.
