NASA tested 3D-printing rocket engines

At the same time to create, we used two different metal

NASA engineers from the space flight Center Marshall in Huntsville, Alabama, tested the new 3D printing method for production of rocket engines. During work was created a prototype of the details of the mechanism of inflammation.

“The production used the advanced technique of laser printing, which has made it possible to reduce by a third the cost and twice to speed up production. The new version uses a hybrid technology of 3D printing process, namely, automated laser powder deposition. The laser beam is fed metal powder melts in the flow of energy. A prototype of the igniter printed from copper and alloy based on Nickel and chromium”, – says the publication.

See also: Chinese robot dentist implanted a patient with two teeth
As indicated, the use of 3D printing for components of aircraft and rocket engines is not new. However previously been able to print the details of only one metal. In this case, managed to create the ignitor is a key element in the mechanism of inflammation. The fact that its creation involves the connection between different metal alloys. Previously this was achieved by soldering, and also demanded high skills and long time. The result was a bimetallic component.

“The elimination of the soldering process and the use of 3D-printed parts bimetal reduces not only production costs, but also risks by increasing reliability. The new method removes the hard transition between the two metals, respectively, there does not appear the cracks,” says Majeed Babai, head of laboratory for materials and processes NASA Space center.

paradox