Stratasys materials for additive manufacturing

Additive Manufacturing 3D-printed materials fly to the moon

2024-04-26 Source: Stratasys | Translated by AI 2 min Reading Time

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In experiments, Stratasys has rigorously tested three materials for additive manufacturing for an upcoming moon mission.

The casing for the radiation experiment made of the FDM material Antero 840CN03 with test samples for shielding radiation, including the tungsten-filled Stratasys material FDM Antero 800NA (dark gray) and the SL Somos PerFORM material (white).(Image: Stratasys) — The casing for the radiation experiment made of the FDM material Antero 840CN03 with test samples for shielding radiation, including the tungsten-filled Stratasys material FDM Antero 800NA (dark gray) and the SL Somos PerFORM material (white).
(Image: Stratasys)

For the lunar mission, 3D printed samples will be brought to the lunar surface on board an unmanned lander in a carrier structure also 3D printed by Stratasys. The 3D printed carrier structure is made of the thermoplastic material Ultem 9085, which is also used for the interior fittings of commercial aircraft. In two experiments led by Northrop Grumman, three materials are at the center.

The housing for the radiation experiment made of Stratasys' FDM material Antero 840CN03 with a red "Remove Before Flight" cover made of Stratasys' Utlem 9085 to protect the test samples during transport to the moon and for installation on the surface.
(Image:Stratasys)

In the first experiment, the behavior of a coupon sample made of Antero 800NA FDM, a tungsten-filled filament from Stratasys, is tested. Antero 800NA is a high-performance PEKK-based thermoplastic with good mechanical properties, chemical resistance, and low outgassing. The addition of tungsten serves as shielding against harmful radiation such as gamma or X-rays.

The second passive experiment aims to demonstrate how 3D-printed materials behave in space. The ESD properties of the FDM filament Antero 840CN03, which was designed for components in electronics and used in the Orion spacecraft, will be tested. The experiment will also include a new ESD photopolymer manufactured by Stratasys partner Henkel for use with Stratasys' Origin One series 3D printers and designed for high heat environments.

Additive manufacturing is a critical technology for space missions where every gram of weight matters and high performance is essential.

Rich Garrity

This experiment will examine how samples of the 3D-printed materials behave in lunar dust, the effects of rapid temperature changes caused by lack of an atmosphere, and the extent to which outgassing occurs without external pressure.

"Additive manufacturing is a crucial technology for space missions where every gram of weight matters and high performance is essential," said Chief Industrial Business Officer Rich Garrity. "These experiments will help us understand how we can best utilize 3D printing to protect people and equipment on the journey to the moon and beyond."

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