Session
Weekend Poster Session 1
Location
Utah State University, Logan, UT
Abstract
As interest in the space environment grows, the demand for larger and more capable space systems will follow. A possible solution to fill this demand is additive manufacturing in the form of 3D printing. This paper showcases a working preliminary system to 3D print large structures in space from a small satellite. This is achieved by replacing the normal Z axis control of a conventional CoreXY fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printer with a system to move along an infinitely extendable printed track. Having the ability to print and then move along this track creates a cycle of printing and movement that can extend the Z axis infinitely. The proposed track system utilizes three faces of the four-faced track allowing for one face to be used as a connection point for other structures. In demonstration, a cylindrical tube was printed adjacent to the track to simulate the creation of a space station capsule. While the CoreXY printer was useful for demonstrating the Z axis control of the track system, a robotic arm with an attached printer head would best utilize the unique Z mechanism. With future work this robotic arm system could start printing tracks in all directions that could then be switched to and from allowing for the print volume to be extended infinitely in all three dimensions. This would provide small satellites the ability to build structures infinitely beyond their size.
Preliminary Design of a 3D Printing System for Creating Infinitely Large Structures in Space
Utah State University, Logan, UT
As interest in the space environment grows, the demand for larger and more capable space systems will follow. A possible solution to fill this demand is additive manufacturing in the form of 3D printing. This paper showcases a working preliminary system to 3D print large structures in space from a small satellite. This is achieved by replacing the normal Z axis control of a conventional CoreXY fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printer with a system to move along an infinitely extendable printed track. Having the ability to print and then move along this track creates a cycle of printing and movement that can extend the Z axis infinitely. The proposed track system utilizes three faces of the four-faced track allowing for one face to be used as a connection point for other structures. In demonstration, a cylindrical tube was printed adjacent to the track to simulate the creation of a space station capsule. While the CoreXY printer was useful for demonstrating the Z axis control of the track system, a robotic arm with an attached printer head would best utilize the unique Z mechanism. With future work this robotic arm system could start printing tracks in all directions that could then be switched to and from allowing for the print volume to be extended infinitely in all three dimensions. This would provide small satellites the ability to build structures infinitely beyond their size.
