3D printing of aerospace metallic structures and 3D printing of ablative material on a carbon fiber honeycomb matrix

grabcad

This entry was submitted to NASA and showcases multiple animations on YouTube, providing a detailed description of a 3D printing process in progress. The animation demonstrates an injection head with 19 nozzles and two independent robotic arms for precise operation. Two cameras guide the printing process, while a turning table may or may not be used. Multiple videos offer different angles and rendering styles, including operator's point of view, with one video showcasing the Orion capsule's main structural component being printed. After printing is completed, an x-ray end effector attaches to the robotic arms for inspection, followed by final machining using a sphere mill. A torch similar to a MIG/MAG torch melts metal filaments while inert gas protects the material until it solidifies. The last animation displays the full range of movement for both the gantry and robotic arms. Please view the provided YouTube videos for a comprehensive understanding of this NASA challenge entry.