3 ms·
I think he is using 3D printing synonymously with on-site fabrication of components. Not quite the same, but similar.
by narfquat 13y ago
I think he is using 3D printing synonymously with on-site fabrication of components. Not quite the same, but similar.
- madaxe 13y agoOr he means literally 3D-print structures using water, which will freeze in the Martian atmosphere to form water ice - which is actually a pretty great structural material if used appropriately.
- Filligree 13y agoUnfortunately, exposed ice will sublimate pretty quickly. You could possibly use it as a bulk structural material when covered, and certainly for radiation shielding.
- bfe 13y agoYou can also use water for holding your pressurized structures together: bolt some pipes to your structure, bury them, pour liquid water through the pipes and into the soil, let it freeze, and you've got anchors made of ice.
- madaxe 13y agoAye, true that. Well, cover it in mylar, and it was rads I was thinking of predominantly. You could potentially make something like http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pykrete http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pykrete using martian topsoil.
- varjag 13y agoMolding would be more suitable here. The time to 3D print a piece is a cubic function of volume, making it suboptimal for larger structures.
- zokier 13y agoEven with that (ab)use of the term 3D printing, I don't see the connection of on-site fabrication and water.