Martian biolith: a “sweet” bioinspired composite for closed-loop extraterrestrial manufacturing Aerospace

Martian biolith: a “sweet” bioinspired composite for closed-loop extraterrestrial manufacturing Aerospace

Given plans to revisit the lunar surface by the late 2020s and to take a crewed mission to Mars by the late 2030s, critical technologies must mature. In missions of extended duration, in situ resource utilization is necessary to both maximize scientific returns and minimize costs. While this presents a significantly more complex challenge in the resource-starved environment of Mars, it is similar to the increasing need to develop resource-efficient and zero-waste ecosystems on Earth. In a recent paper published on PLOS One, scientists at Singapore University of Technology and Design used recent advances in the field of bioinspired chitinous manufacturing to develop a Martian biolith to be used with additive manufacturing technology within the context of a minimal, artificial ecosystem that supports humans in a Martian environment.

Remember the 3D printed Lamborghini? Look at it now Additive Manufacturing

Remember the 3D printed Lamborghini? Look at it now Additive Manufacturing

Sterling Backus’ 3D printed Lamborghini was one of 3dpbm’s biggest stories ever and rightly so. The project is truly amazing: to think that someone could 3D print several parts of an Aventador replica’s body at home, on basic desktop systems (used as a base shape for composites), and actually build a working car seemed impossible. And yet, here it is: the (almost) final product looks truly amazing and it is a great inspiration for STEM education, which is exactly what Backus set out to promote.

Studio RAP 3D prints 4,000 ceramic tiles for stunning New Delft Blue construction project Construction 3D Printing

Studio RAP 3D prints 4,000 ceramic tiles for stunning New Delft Blue construction project Construction 3D Printing

Dutch construction design firm Studio RAP has been 3D printing ceramic tiles for their work on design elements of the pioneering New Delft Blue project in the historic Dutch city of Delft. After printing these tests at Studio RAP’s workshop, the tiles went straight into the kiln at Koninklijke Tichelaar where they were also beautifully glazed.

Chevrolet racing adopts 3D printed parts to support over 80,000 miles of racing Additive Manufacturing

Chevrolet racing adopts 3D printed parts to support over 80,000 miles of racing Additive Manufacturing

In yet another example of additive manufacturing in the automotive sector, Chevrolet announced that its 3D printing racing program supported over 80,000 miles of racing. This milestone is indicative of the competitive and manufacturing efficiency derived from AM products. Chevrolet’s announcement pairs with this Network’s recent reporting on Team Penske’s and Oxford Brookes Racing’s implementation of AM parts in their race cars.

PERI builds the first 3D printed residential building in Germany Construction 3D Printing

PERI builds the first 3D printed residential building in Germany Construction 3D Printing

PERI GmbH is building the first 3D printed residential building in Germany, and precisely in Beckum, North Rhine-Westphalia. The two-story detached house with approx. 80 sqm of living space per floor is being built with a COBOD system that PERI uses to provide 3D printing construction services. This segment is booming way beyond anyone could have imaged (except us: three years ago, when only a handful of companies were active, we forecast a €40 billion dollar industry by 2027, among general skepticism)

ICON’s Project Olympus looks at 3D printed Moon habitats for NASA Artemis Construction 3D Printing

ICON’s Project Olympus looks at 3D printed Moon habitats for NASA Artemis Construction 3D Printing

Following in the footsteps of construction 3D printing pioneers D-Shape and Contour Crafting, ICON, a developer of advanced construction technologies including robotics, software, and building materials, has been awarded a government Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract. The deal includes funding from NASA to begin research and development on Project Olympus: a space-based construction system that could support future exploration of the Moon. ICON will also dedicate a division of the company to focus on space.