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I wonder if they can print without using support structures? I would have expected layer bonding to be an issue due to no gravity, but if it's really not a pro
by danjayh 12y ago
I wonder if they can print without using support structures? I would have expected layer bonding to be an issue due to no gravity, but if it's really not a problem (as indicated in the article), I think that 3D printing should work better in space.
- stevenrace 12y agoI suspect you'd still need 'supports' added when slicing - as often it's not so much gravity, but movement from the print head that causes things to go awry. As for layer/bed adhesion. Even here on Earth, the RepRap MendelMax/Lulzbot [1] can print upside down. I imagine that's true for most of the units made from aluminum extrusions. And there have already been prints done in parabolic 'zero-g' flights using a Makerbot looking printer [2]. [1] http://download.lulzbot.com/TAZ/photos/upside_down/Lulzbot_product_4-8-131323.jpg http://download.lulzbot.com/TAZ/photos/upside_down/Lulzbot_p... [2] https://flightopportunities.nasa.gov/technologies/4/ https://flightopportunities.nasa.gov/technologies/4/