COMPOSITES SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING ›› 2022, Vol. 0 ›› Issue (6): 122-128.DOI: 10.19936/j.cnki.2096-8000.20220628.019

• REVIEW • Previous Articles    

Research progress of 3D printing technology in space for composites

CHEN Yi, MO Gui-dong, YU Kang, QIN Jun-jie, LI Jing-yang, QI Jun-feng, LAI Xiao-ming   

  1. China Academy of Space Technology, Beijing Spacecrafts, Beijing 100094, China
  • Received:2021-07-13 Online:2022-06-28 Published:2022-07-19

Abstract: As an on-orbit manufacturing technology, 3D printing in space can quickly realize the manufacture of complex and special-shaped products, which is of great significance for deep space exploration, construction of extraterrestrial bases. However, due to the extreme environmental conditions in space (microgravity, high vacuum, high alternating temperature, strong radiation, etc.), higher requirements for 3D printing equipment, materials and technologies are proposed. At present, 3D printing in space for composites has short development time and very low technological maturity. Only a few countries in the world have realized on-orbit verification. In this work, the 3D printing technology home and abroad is briefly reviewed firstly. Then based on the 3D printing system developed by our team and its on-orbit verification, the design of the space 3D printing suitable for the spacecraft cabin is proposed and the key technologies are analyzed. Finally, the prospects and suggestions for 3D printing composites in China are given. This work aims to provide some foundations for the future engineering applications of space 3D printing.

Key words: 3D printing in space, on-orbit manufacture, continuous fiber reinforced composite, space additivemanufacturing

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