Consideration of materials for creating 3D printed space sensors and systems

Jacob Reimers; Jeremy Straub

doi:10.1117/12.2263631

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5 May 2017 Consideration of materials for creating 3D printed space sensors and systems

Jacob Reimers, Jeremy Straub

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Proceedings Volume 10196, Sensors and Systems for Space Applications X; 101960I (2017) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2263631
Event: SPIE Defense + Security, 2017, Anaheim, California, United States

Abstract

Three-dimensional printing (also known as additive manufacturing) in space is a practical solution to reducing the mass and volume required for bringing materials into orbit and beyond. Materials can be launched in their raw form and transformed into the requisite parts and structures, as needed. This provides flexibility, allows structures to be designed to only support microgravity and allows sensing systems to be configured (and reconfigured) based on needs identified during the mission. This paper presents work undertaken to identify materials that are well-suited to in-space 3D printing. Materials commonly used for aerospace hardware were examined to assess their suitability.

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Jacob Reimers and Jeremy Straub "Consideration of materials for creating 3D printed space sensors and systems", Proc. SPIE 10196, Sensors and Systems for Space Applications X, 101960I (5 May 2017); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2263631

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