Your Rocket Is Now 3D Printed

By on July 25th, 2013 in Usage

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Aerojet Rocketdyne has been working with NASA to develop a way to 3D print rockets. Well, not the WHOLE rocket, but certain critical parts, namely an Injector Assembly. 
 
They’re working on a completely integrated manufacturing process  with Selective Laser Melting technology that will be capable of rapidly producing “highly critical rocket engine components”. We suspect they are leveraging 3D printing’s ability to create complex objects that are lightweight compared to the traditional method of bolting several pieces together – which often adds significant weight. 
 
The twist here is that they have to certify that the parts produced are truly safe to use by passing numerous tests. Part of that certification was accomplished recently by using a 3D printed part in a “hot fire test”. You can imagine what that means.  
 
The test was successful; More rocket parts will be printed. 
 
Via Rocket

By Kerry Stevenson

Kerry Stevenson, aka "General Fabb" has written over 8,000 stories on 3D printing at Fabbaloo since he launched the venture in 2007, with an intention to promote and grow the incredible technology of 3D printing across the world. So far, it seems to be working!