3D Printing
3D Printing Service Contact us
Home / News / Engineers Working Towards Self-Replicating 3D Printers to Build Lunar Bases

Engineers Working Towards Self-Replicating 3D Printers to Build Lunar Bases

June 8, 2017

As machines are developing more and more autonomy, apparently so are 3D printers. Researchers at Carleton University in Ottawa are working on a self-replicating 3D printer. If successful, the project will allow for the production of a machines that can repair themselves and, most impressively, build more 3D printers using the materials in its immediate vicinity. The main application for such machine would be in building facilities in space, i.e. lunar bases.

The researchers started from RepRap 3D printer as the base line. They used this particular type because it could print its own plastic parts. As of now they have programmed the ability to use materials quite similar to lunar soil but still have major hurdles to overcome. The main one being that for it to create functional printers it also has to be able to process metal. Even when it produce metal bars and motors, giving it the ability to assemble these parts into a functional whole will be very challenging.

moon dust printing
Related Story
Moon Dust Printing Uses Laser Melting For Construction

“Although we are using [polylactic acid] plastic [to 3D-print components], I envisage replacing this with silicone plastic — this can be manufactured from lunar volatile carbon compounds and lunar water,” Alex Ellery, associate professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, explained.

A 3D Printer for Lunar Bases & Combating Climate Change

3D-printed wires made of aluminium alloy on silicone plastic substrate
An early attempt to 3D-print wires made of aluminium alloy on silicone plastic substrate – Image Retrieved from Space.com – Image Courtesy of Alex Ellery

The printer has the potential to revolutionize machining and repair. Self-repairing printers are quite a leap on their own, but the advent of printers that can create other printers is game-changing. While the researchers are still exploring this front, the future of this tech looks bright. The first application that the researchers are looking at is Lunar bases.

The plan is for the printer to use lunar regolith to create various parts. It does this using a robotic arm that scoops the regolith and heats it at 900 °C with the aid of a frensel lens. The frensel lens focuses sunlight into a heat beam that processes the materials into machine parts.

UV printed Light curable Pretzel German Researchers Glass Printing
Related Story
KIT Researchers 3D Print Transparent Fused Silica Glass

Aside from the prospect of lunar bases, the printers can also have a very unique potential function. The researchers think they can be applied towards shielding that could aid against global warming. They could possibly print shields made from materials that can hold back a significant level of solar radiation. Although, this ability still has to be tested and verified.

As a workable model, this machine is still quite far from complete. However, the research so far is very promising.

Share:
WhatsApp Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Buffer Reddit E-mail
  • Home
  • Service
  • Materials
  • Contact us

3D Printer Categories

  • Desktop 3D Printers
  • Industrial 3D Printers
  • Tractus3D T2000 Tractus3D T2000
    680 (D) x 1000 (H) mm
    $27,000
    Request a Quote
  • Modix BIG Meter Modix BIG Meter
    1010 x 1010 x 1010 mm
    $11,500
    Request a Quote
  • Cosine Additive AM1 Cosine Additive AM1
    1100 x 850 x 850 mm
    $125,000 - $150,000
    Request a Quote
  • Modix BIG-120Z Modix BIG-120Z
    600 x 600 x 1200 mm
    $7,900
    Request a Quote
Join our mailinglist

Our newsletter is free & you can unsubscribe any time.

Company Information

  • What is 3D Printing?
  • Contact us
  • 3D Printing Service
  • Newsletter
  • Advertise with us
  • Media Kit
  • Nederland 3D Printing

Featured Categories

  • Latest News
  • Applications & Use Cases
  • 3D Printing Metal
  • Reviews
  • 3D Printers

Featured Companies

  • Modix
  • 3D Systems
  • Cosine Additive
  • Tractus3D

Featured Reviews

  • Anycubic Photon M3
  • Flashforge Creator 3
  • Flashforge Creator 3 Pro
  • Craftbot FLOW IDEX XL
  • BIQU B1
2022 — Strikwerda en Dehue
  • Home
  • Service
  • Materials
  • Contact us
Featured Companies
  • Modix
  • 3D Systems
  • Cosine Additive
  • Tractus3D
Featured Industries
  • Aerospace
  • Automotive
  • Construction
  • Dental
  • Environmental
  • Medical
  • Military
Company Information
  • What is 3D Printing?
  • Contact us
  • 3D Printing Service
  • Newsletter
  • Advertise with us
  • Media Kit
  • Nederland 3D Printing
We serve cookies on this site to analyze traffic, remember your preferences, and optimize your experience.
Details
Close