The European Space Agency (ESA) has sent a 3D printer to the International Space Station (ISS) for the first time to print metal parts, reports Engadget.
The 180kg device was sent to the space station on January 30 as part of the Cygnus NG-20 mission. It was developed by Airbus for ESA. Danish astronaut Andreas Mogensen will install the printer on the ISS. The device is then controlled from Earth.
Polymer-based 3D printers have been used on the ISS in the past. However, 3D printing metals in orbit is considered a more difficult task.
Stainless steel is used for the machine. ESA emphasizes the importance of the safety of the crew and the station itself, as operating a 3D printer to print metal parts involves higher temperatures.
The plan is to make four test prints on the ISS. The printer is in operation for a maximum of four hours per day. If successful, the strength, conductivity and rigidity of the metal will take the potential of space 3D printing to new levels.