Russian scientists from Tomsk Polytechnic University (TPU) have developed the first Russian-made 3D printer for printing in space in microgravity. This is reported by "Gazeta.<url>" with reference to the press service of the university.
The customer of the project was the Korolev Rocket and Space Corporation Energia, to which two manufactured samples have been transferred at the moment. One of them is planned to be sent to the ISS in the near future — in June 2022. It is assumed that the printer will print the necessary parts for the operation of the station.
The device layer—by-layer prints the desired object from a polymer material - polylactic acid, which is often used in terrestrial printers. The resulting parts eventually come out extremely light and durable. The main difference of the created printer is that the working chamber in which the printing process takes place is completely sealed. In addition, it has a system of temperature control, ventilation, circulation and air purification.
In April 2022, Singapore specialists learned how to use glass for three-dimensional printing. Thanks to this method, engineers managed to print a bench 40 centimeters high.
