Among the technologies presented to us as the ESA Technology Broker UK is ‘CosmicMaker,’ an autonomous, multi-material 3D printing system for in-orbit manufacturing of polymers, ceramics, and potentially metals.
Developed in the UK by Photocentric Ltd, CosmicMaker allows for the on-demand production of components, spare parts and tools in microgravity environments.
Advantages of the system include improved energy efficiency, a compact, sealed vat design, and multi-material flexibility.
The printing system can produce hardware, assemble components, modify or process parts, and enable the repair or replacement of mission-critical components during space operations.
How It Works
The CosmicMaker system uses a sealed resin vat and stereolithographic curing process to create parts from photopolymers, ceramic-filled resins (e.g. silicon carbide), and (potentially) metal-filled formulations. Printing is guided by on-board autonomy, sensors, and environmental controls, allowing operation to be undertaken without constant crew intervention.
The technical concept behind CosmicMaker is based on layer-by-layer curing using light projection through an LCD mask. The compact form of the system means that it is compatible with in-orbit deployment such as on space stations and small orbital platforms.
There are a number of potential applications for the system, including the production of spare parts, brackets, clamps, enclosures, tools, experimental fixtures, shielding components, and in-orbit prototypes.
There are also potential applications in sectors outside of space, including aerospace, defence, maritime and remote terrestrial environments where localised manufacturing reduces logistics dependency.
Find Out More
You can find out more about CosmicMaker, including details of advantages and innovations, the operational limits, and compliance, here: https://www.esa-technology-broker.co.uk/technologies/cosmicmaker-autonomous-multi-material-3d-printing-system-for-in-orbit-manufacturing
If you would like to explore this technology further for potential applications, please get in touch with us by emailing contactus@esa-technology-broker.co.uk.