SPACE APPLICATIONS

Metal printing is favoured by many engineers tasked with making space components such as metal parts for rockets. Because rocket engines need to be able to withstand very high temperatures, an Inconel copper superalloy powder is often chosen. Inconel is a distinctive class of superalloys recognised for resistance to corrosion and oxidation.

Instead of incorporating plastic into the metal filament, printing for space-based applications is better suited to direct metal laser sintering. To produce dense rocket parts, loose metal powder is laid in layers. Between each layer being placed, a laser is pointed onto the metal powder. The laser traces the precise shape dictated by the digital file, melting and binding the metal in the process. This is repeated for each layer until the solid metal shape is submerged in the excess metal powder.

NASA is currently funding research into metal 3D printing in low gravity. Depending on the success of space-based manufacturing, the future could include printing a base on the Moon.

Combustion chambers and nozzles are rocket engine parts that can be 3D printed, yet still withstand high temperatures