The consortium was formed by the agency’s Manufacturing of Experimental Layer Technology (MELT) project, which aims to explore, design, build, and test a fully functional 3D printer that can work in the microgravity conditions of the International Space Station.
Engineering services provider SONACA Space GmbH, which offers structural and thermal systems, along with Ground Support Equipment, Mechanisms, and Instruments, and systems specialist OHB-System AG, one of the top independent forces in European space with a core business of low-orbiting and geostationary satellites, round out the group.
The consortium has finished building the prototype, and after successfully proving its performance and functionality, the new 3D printer has finally been delivered to the ESA. Now, the agency will move the prototype into the breadboard testing phase; if this goes well, there will finally be an agency-wide evaluation of any 3D printed components, parts, and tools that have been completed.
BEEVERYCREATIVE, which was responsible for designing and developing the prototype and its operating software, was inspired by the ESA consortium project, and now wants to develop a new, industry-oriented 3D printer for rapid prototyping and product development departments.
The company is now working to develop this new project, together with Portuguese ESA broker Instituto Pedro Nunes (IPN), a non-profit organization that promotes innovation and the transfer of technology and supports the marketing and commercialization of space technologies in non-space markets.
Thanks to this developing 3D printing solution from IPN and BEEVERYCREATIVE, industries ranging from footwear and electronics to automotive will have the ability to easily use rapid prototyping for design flexibility and material diversity, as well as lowered time and costs, for product development processes.
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[Source/Images: BEEVERYCREATIVE]