14 DAY TRIAL // We've heard about space-worthy 3D printers and we also know that one of them is already on the International Space Station up there in orbit. There are other 3D printing projects that involve the vacuum of space though.
True, our planet's artificial satellite layer isn't quite outside the Earth's atmosphere, if you count the microgravity at that distance from the surface, but that's not the point.
What we're going to talk about here today is a project being carried out by Swedish company RUAG, more precisely its Space division.
Through a partnership with US company Altair, known for its ability to optimize product designs and smoothing fabrication processes over, RUAG's Space division is now 3D printing satellite components.
German-based company EOS is assisting the two, contributing its experience in lightweight metal alloy component production via additive manufacturing.
So we suppose you could say that RUAG came up with the raw process, EOS offered to actually produce the things, and Altair worked with both (or is working with both) to make sure everything goes as smoothly as possible.
The 3D printed RUAG satellites
In truth, RUAG isn't 3D printing entire satellites. There aren't machines or shipyards large enough to do such a thing yet, and there won't be for a long time.
However, making parts of such satellites is possible, and that's what's happening. Among the components being fabricated through 3D printing tech are antennas, separation systems and microwave electronics.
The end goal is to make Earth Observation satellites that are much lighter and efficient, or at least have better antenna support to start with. Altair's software is currently trying to figure out how to best reduce the material needed for the support structure.
Once a design is agreed upon, a laser sintering powder-based machine will be used by EOS to print the finished components.
Short-term and long-term implications
In the first stages, 3D printed satellite components will allow satellites to be made from fewer parts, with reflectors, heating pipes and harnesses being possible to print in a single go.
As time passes and techniques are perfected, the amount of raw material needed for the production of various items will decrease. All the while, the printers themselves will become more and more affordable. It used to be that metal 3D printers sold for hundreds of thousands of dollars, even millions, but now there are some that ship for less than thirty grand.