We know that JAXA is sending a Mitsubishi space probe to Mars, but what about astronauts that arrive there within the next 10-years? They’ll not only need tools, but rocket parts as well, and that’s where this innovative 3d-printing process comes in. Washington State University researchers used simulated crushed Martian rock and mixed it with a titanium alloy to create a stronger, high-performance material.
This 3d-printed material could one day be used on Mars by astronauts to create tools, rocket parts, or even shelter. They tested various mixtures which contained between 5%-100% Martian regolith, a black powdery substance meant to simulate the rocky, inorganic material found on the surface of Mars. What they found was that the 5% Martian regolith parts were strong, while the 100% regolith were too brittle and cracked easily. However, the latter would still be useful in making coatings to protect equipment from rust or radiation damage.
- Resume Printing Function: Ender 3 has the ability to resume printing even after a power outage or lapse occurs.
- Easy and Qucik Assembly: It comes with several assembled parts, you only need about 2 hours to assemble 20 nuts well.
- Advanced Extruder Technology: Upgraded extruder greatly reduces plugging risk and bad extrustion; V-shape with POM wheels make it move noiseless,...
It gives you a better, higher strength and hardness material, so that can perform significantly better in some applications. This establishes that it is possible, and maybe we should think in this direction because it’s not just making plastic parts which are weak but metal-ceramic composite parts which are strong and can be used for any kind of structural parts,” said Bandyopadhyay, a professor in WSU’s School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering.
