First-ever 3D metal printing in space achieved on ISS | Space

In an experiment that sounds about as safe as bobbing for fries, ESA carried out the first-ever 3D metal printing in space aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Built with Airbus, the Metal 3D Printer completed the first of four test shapes.

3D printing isn’t new to the ISS. In fact, the first experiments aboard the station examining the technology began in 2014. However, these worked by melting plastic and then extruding it from a workhead controlled by a digital file to create various complex forms. The plastic doesn’t get too hot and it’s relatively easy to control even in zero gravity.

On the other hand, the Metal 3D Printer (couldn’t they come up with a more imaginative name?) takes things to a whole new level. It also required some major tinkering with the basic metal printer principle to make it nearly safe enough to use on the ISS.

Generally, 3D metal printers work by laying down a bed of metal alloy powder, then sintering it with an electron beam or a laser in a pattern based on a digital file. A second layer is automatically spread, and the process is repeated. In the end, the excess powder is removed and the final product is ready for grinding and polishing.

It’s…