Spacecraft and associated equipment fabrication through 3D printing in zero gravity environment cleared a major testing hurdle in the industry, opening up an exciting future for space-based 3D printing technology.
Horizon Microtechnologies Achieves Space-Qualified 3D Printing with Proprietary Coating Method
Horizon Microtechnologies, a leading innovator in 3D printing technology, has made a significant breakthrough in the space industry. The company has developed a proprietary metallisation coating process that allows high-precision 3D printed polymer parts to meet the stringent ECSS-Q-ST-70-02C outgassing standard for space travel.
The innovative process involves fabricating microscale components through polymer additive manufacturing, followed by a specialized metallisation coating. This coating helps reduce volatile material release under vacuum and thermal conditions that simulate space environments.
To ensure the effectiveness of the coating, the coated parts were subjected to rigorous testing. They were exposed to 125°C in a vacuum of 10⁻⁶ to 10⁻⁷ mbar for 24 hours, in line with ECSS protocols. This testing ensured minimal outgassing and contamination risk, critical for space applications.
Although the specific details of the proprietary metallisation materials and exact coating techniques are not publicly detailed, the process has been verified through rigorous thermal vacuum testing. The result is a method that effectively stabilises 3D printed polymer parts for radio frequency and microwave antenna structures in demanding space conditions.
Horizon's CEO, Andreas Frölich, expressed enthusiasm for the successful results, stating that the achievement brings them one step closer to introducing more 3D printing components in space. The potential between 3D printing and the space industry is significant, and this development could pave the way for more advancements in the future.
In the realm of space travel, the European Cooperation for Space Standardization (ECSS-Q-ST-70-02C) sets material screening standards. Horizon Microtechnologies has passed these standards, demonstrating their commitment to reliability in the space industry.
The benefits of 3D printing in space are numerous. By fabricating parts without the need to launch a rocket to the International Space Station (ISS), costs can be significantly reduced, and the potential for on-demand manufacturing becomes a reality. Tests on the ISS have shown that astronauts can 3D print objects, leading to the possibility of more 3D-printed hardware in future space technology.
For those new to 3D printing, Tom's Hardware offers a list of recommended 3D printers for various skill levels. The best budget 3D printers are now available for home use, making the technology more accessible than ever.
As we continue to explore the cosmos, advancements in 3D printing technology, such as Horizon Microtechnologies' proprietary coating process, will play a crucial role in the future of space travel and exploration.
Science and technology continue to revolutionize the field of space-and-astronomy, with Horizon Microtechnologies' breakthrough in space-qualified 3D printing showcasing this potential. The company's innovative metallisation coating process enables high-precision 3D printed polymer parts to meet space travel standards, significantly contributing to the development of radio frequency and microwave antenna structures for demanding space conditions.
