Chinese Space Program Using 3D Printed Connectors For Space Suits

A research center at the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation has used a 3D printer to build vent pipes and connector flanges for the next generation of extravehicular space suits, and designers say the vent pipe and the flange will improve the reliability and safety of the space suit while making the manufacturing process more efficient. The 3D printing technology was approved by the Scientific Research Training Center for Chinese Astronauts. The plan is that the suits which include the parts will be used on the orbiting space lab, Tiangong-2. The suits are expected to be approved for use in 2016. You can read the whole story here: http://3dprint.com/62672/china-3d-pr...acesuit-parts/


Below is a photo of a space suit from China:
http://3dprint.com/wp-content/upload...pacesuit_1.jpg