Additive manufacturing 3D-printed unique pieces are flying into space

Related Vendors

ZARM Universität Bremen

Wuxi InfiMotion Technology Co., Ltd.

A research group from Constructor University Bremen has developed a delta 3D printer that can additively manufacture parts for applications in space. Now, the startup "NebulaForm," which originated from the group, has been included in the space incubator of the European Space Agency (ESA).

Many components in space travel are custom-made or produced only in small quantities. Prof. Dr. Dr.-Ing. Yilmaz Uygun and his partner Serkan Özkan from Constructor University in Bremen are convinced that certain equipment in space travel can be produced in a more demand-oriented, faster, cost-effective and weight-optimized way by 3D printing than by traditional methods. The team has therefore developed a Delta 3D printer. The large-format 3D printing is a prime example of how industrial applications can arise from basic research. With a printing range of up to 1.5 meters in radius and a printing height of now up to 3 meters, the research group first developed the printer with own funds. Then the Kieserling Foundation funded the project. Afterwards, it was continued with funds from the Federal Ministry of Economy and Climate Protection in the framework of the EXIST program, which supports business start-ups from science. As part of the Bremen 3D-Idea Award, the printer was recognized as an outstanding innovation in additive manufacturing.

They plan to further develop their existing printer, such as by using new materials like carbon fibers or high-performance plastics that do not melt even at temperatures well above 300 degrees Celsius. The print area is expected to grow to 24 cubic meters. "With that," says Uygun, "one could already print a car."

If the printer proves itself in space, new business areas will also open up on Earth.

Prof. Dr. Dr.-Ing. Yilmaz Uygun

The startup is also working on an innovative small-format printer on a rotating axis that can be used in space. Traditional 3D printers use gravity to print a part layer by layer. This principle does not work in weightlessness. The first space agency has already shown interest. The device could be tested in space as early as next year. "If the printer proves itself in space, new business fields will open up on Earth," says Uygun, who is also affiliated with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the USA as a Research Affiliate.

The ESA's space incubator supports startups for up to two years

The start-up "NebulaForm", which emerged from the group, has now been included in the space incubator of the European Space Agency ESA. The space incubator "ESA BIC Northern Germany", based in Bremen, supports start-ups for up to two years in their business development, both with tailor-made training and with financial support of 50,000 euros. "The incubator allows us to grow in the space industry with its specific requirements and to further develop our technology," says Uygun.

My students will also benefit from the innovations and experiences in the incubator. "We always include our current research results in the teaching and discuss the results with the students," says Uygun. "Teaching and research go hand in hand." Two students, Altin Loshi and Idriz Pelaj from the Robotics and Intelligent Systems program, are also involved in NebulaForm.