3D printing in space
CosmicMaker
Photocentric has entered into a partnership with The European Space Agency to develop CosmicMaker, an LCD-based 3D printer tailored for use in space stations. CosmicMaker can print both plastic and ceramic parts and will be used to produce complex Silicon Carbide (SiC) parts in space.
The ISS annually replenishes 3,200 kg of its 13,000 kg spare parts inventory on board the station, costing $45-65 million only in the orbital launch and delivery of parts. But only 3.4% (450 kg) of available spares are used annually, highlighting the inefficiency of being dependent on the Earth’s supply chain. Our project sets out to achieve a breakthrough in SiC printing in space, fabricating complex, near-net-shape SiC parts in a microgravity environment, and on-board space stations.
CosmicMaker’s SiC components will address critical applications that other printers cannot, such as thermal management parts, radiation shielding, electronic components, astronaut equipment, structural parts, docking mechanisms in lunar applications, particularly within NASA and ESA’s Artemis Programme. This emerging in-space infrastructure and economy development is projected to grow the space industry to a trillion dollars by the end of the decade.
Why Photocentric and LCD?
Photocentric invented LCD 3D printing and has patented an enclosed chamber form of LCD printing that is both gravity and pressure independent.
Our process is remarkably robust and can still work if the printing system is any orientation, is shaken or shocked and is at elevated or lowered temperatures.
It is the most compact 3D printing design in space possible, its very light, modular, scalable, and repairable. It has the capability to be made autonomous in the future.
3D Printing in Space
CosmicMaker
Photocentric has entered into a partnership with The European Space Agency to develop CosmicMaker, an LCD-based 3D printer tailored for use in space stations. CosmicMaker can print both plastic and ceramic parts and will be used to produce complex Silicon Carbide (SiC) parts in space.
The ISS annually replenishes 3,200 kg of its 13,000 kg spare parts inventory on board the station, costing $45-65 million only in the orbital launch and delivery of parts. But only 3.4% (450 kg) of available spares are used annually, highlighting the inefficiency of being dependent on the Earth’s supply chain. Our project sets out to achieve a breakthrough in SiC printing in space, fabricating complex, near-net-shape SiC parts in a microgravity environment, and on-board space stations.
CosmicMaker’s SiC components will address critical applications that other printers cannot, such as thermal management parts, radiation shielding, electronic components, astronaut equipment, structural parts, docking mechanisms in lunar applications, particularly within NASA and ESA’s Artemis Programme. This emerging in-space infrastructure and economy development is projected to grow the space industry to a trillion dollars by the end of the decade.
Why Photocentric and LCD?
Photocentric invented LCD 3D printing and has patented an enclosed chamber form of LCD printing that is both gravity and pressure independent.
Our process is remarkably robust and can still work if the printing system is any orientation, is shaken or shocked and is at elevated or lowered temperatures.
It is the most compact 3D printing design in space possible, its very light, modular, scalable, and repairable. It has the capability to be made autonomous in the future.