nano3Dprint and Finite Space to advance off-earth Additive Manufacturing

NewsResearch
May 19, 2023

May 19, 2023

The partnership combines plans to produce a moon rover, additional rover parts and other tools for the space exploration team using additive manufacturing (Courtesy Finite Space)
The partnership combines plans to produce a moon rover, additional rover parts and other tools for the space exploration team (Courtesy Finite Space)

nano3Dprint, Burlingame, California, USA, has announced a partnership with Finite Space, a Germany-based company that aims to enhance material usage and manufacturing processes in space to enable the establishment of self-sustainable off-Earth colonies.

The partnership combines nano3Dprint’s technology and AM expertise with Finite Space’s goal of building a sustainable lunar economy. Utilising nano3Dprint’s A2200 3D Multi-material Electronics Printer, Finite Space plans to produce a moon rover, additional rover parts and other tools for the space exploration team.

THE WORLD OF METAL AM TO YOUR INBOX
Subscribe to our weekly newsletter
Sign up

“nano3Dprint is the most flexible electronics 3D printing solution,” stated Tobias Patzer, Finite Space’s Chief Technology Officer. “We saw that NASA had published research demonstrating advancements made with nano3Dprint printers, making the company a natural choice for this collaboration.”

The project’s first phase involves the Additive Manufacturing of a rover that will measure just over 90 cm (3 ft) long and utilise metals, silicon and recycled plastics, all of which it says can be sourced on the moon.

“A key capability of the A2200 is the flexibility we have in material choice and quality,” said Patzer. For example, the demo design will include a cargo bay and tool slot, which could be integrated with a plough, drill or robotic manipulator. Additional capabilities will be added as the project progresses.

Said to be about the size of a microwave oven, the A2200 Additive Manufacturing machine can be transported to space and used to quickly produce tools and other parts on-demand. Further, the use of a space-based AM machine, as opposed to producing parts on Earth and transporting them to space, reduces the need for resupply missions and the quantity of supplies necessary for astronauts to transport into space on launch missions.

Ramsey Stevens, nano3Dprint CEO, commented on the importance of space exploration: “We need space [technology] for daily life; we rely on it for GPS, weather forecasts, satellite images and more. Continuing space exploration provides invaluable guidance for researchers and scientists to identify new resources and expand their understanding of the solar system. We look forward to seeing how Finite Space will further space exploration with the utilisation of this new rover.”

nano3dprint.com

www.finitespace.eu

Download Metal AM magazine
NewsResearch
May 19, 2023

In the latest issue of Metal AM magazine

Download PDF
 

Extensive AM industry news coverage, as well as the following exclusive deep-dive articles:

  • Metal powders in Additive Manufacturing: An exploration of sustainable production, usage and recycling
  • Inside Wayland Additive: How innovation in electron beam PBF is opening new markets for AM
  • An end-to-end production case study: Leveraging data-driven machine learning and autonomous process control in AM
  • Consolidation, competition, and the cost of certification: Insight from New York’s AM Strategies 2024
  • Scandium’s impact on the Additive Manufacturing of aluminium alloys
  • AM for medical implants: An analysis of the impact of powder reuse in Powder Bed Fusion

The world of metal AM to your inbox

Don't miss any new issue of Metal AM magazine, and get the latest industry news. Sign up to our twice weekly newsletter.

Sign up

Discover our magazine archive…

The free to access Metal Additive Manufacturing magazine archive offers unparalleled insight into the world of metal Additive Manufacturing from a commercial and technological perspective through:

  • Reports on visits to leading metal AM part manufacturers and industry suppliers
  • Articles on technology and application trends
  • Information on materials developments
  • Reviews of key technical presentations from the international conference circuit
  • International industry news

All past issues are available to download as free PDFs or view in your browser.

Browse the archive

Looking for AM machines, metal powders or part manufacturing services?

Discover suppliers of these and more in our comprehensive advertisers’ index and buyer’s guide, available in the back of Metal AM magazine.

  • AM machines
  • Process monitoring & calibration
  • Heat treatment & sintering
  • HIP systems & services
  • Pre- & post-processing technology
  • Powders, powder production and analysis
  • Part manufacturers
  • Consulting, training & market data
View online
Share via
Copy link
Powered by Social Snap