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Showing posts from October, 2023

NASA has recently conducted a test of a 3D printed aluminum rocket nozzle.

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  The RAMFIRE nozzle performs a hot fire test at Marshall’s East test area stand 115. Credit: NASA In the realm of current space exploration, a significant trend revolves around how emerging technologies and procedures are driving down the expenses associated with sending crews and payloads into space. This trend extends beyond the commercial space sector and the evolution of retrievable and reusable rockets, as space agencies are also devising innovative approaches to enhance the affordability and accessibility of space. Notably, NASA has been at the forefront of these efforts, recently accomplishing a milestone in manufacturing by producing an aluminum rocket engine nozzle through their groundbreaking Reactive Additive Manufacturing for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (RAMFIRE) process. Additive manufacturing (AM), more commonly referred to as 3D printing, has instigated a revolution in the world of manufacturing. Unlike conventional machine-based production, which involves shaping

Understanding SLS 3D Printing: A Comprehensive Overview.

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  SLS, or Selective Laser Sintering, is a revolutionary 3D printing technique that has garnered significant attention in the world of rapid prototyping and low-production runs. This article delves into the fundamental principles of SLS 3D printing, providing insights into its workings, the advantages it offers for prototyping and limited production, and the wide array of materials and options tailored to your specific part or project. Let's embark on a journey to understand the marvels of SLS technology. Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), a key player in the realm of additive manufacturing, belongs to the powder bed fusion family. This innovative   3D printing  technique utilizes a laser to selectively sinter particles of a polymer powder, expertly fusing them together to construct a part, one layer at a time. The materials of choice in SLS are thermoplastic polymers, typically provided in a granular form. ​ Versatility and Cost-Effectiveness ​ SLS emerges as a versatile solu