It was only a matter of time before even 3D printing became self-driven

Feb 11, 2014 12:31 GMT  ·  By

Humankind has a history of turning everything even remotely useful into an automated process, so it stands to reason that 3D printing technology would go through the same fate. And it has, thanks to America Makes, the National Additive Manufacturing Innovation Institute.

Granted, 3D printing is already "automated" since it can take a simple 3D model, or a complex one, and use one out of a variety of methods to mould materials into an object featuring the same shape.

Still, by automation, in this case, we mean that a new project has been started for creating an automated assembly line for 3D printers.

The assembly line is meant to produce and test aerial vehicles and satellites, which would then be tested and used in orbit or in the atmosphere.

The University of Texas at El Paso will lead the effort, while the financing will be provided by America Makes, the National Additive Manufacturing Innovation Institute. The whole project fund is of $2.2 million / €1.61 million.

"Our proposing team can see a day where a push-button design flow will lead to a rapid, reliable and affordable fully 3D printed spacecraft or UAV," UTEP researchers wrote in their proposal to America Makes.

"The ability to proceed from design to operational use in 24 hours makes the space and airborne resources truly responsive. The team believes we currently have the skills, tools and proven results to advance the concepts of a fully printable aerospace asset."

UTEP's W.M. Keck Center for 3D Innovation will lead a collaborative team that includes University of New Mexico, Youngstown State University, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, rp+m, and Stratasys.

First, they will make a 3D printer that can produce multi-material aerospace components with multi-functional purposes, then they will string several of them together in an assembly line complete with robotic arms and a conveyor belt. Robotic placement of electronic components, the ability to connect electronic components with wiring, and micromachining will all be integrated.