Next Useful Item 3D Printed in Space... A Buckle

[Brian_Krassenstein]

On November 24, 2014 the world saw the first 3D printing in space take place on the International Space Station when the craft's 3D printer produced its own extruder plate. By late spring or early summer, NASA expects the ISS to 3D print an object independent of the printer’s function -- a buckle that will be used in concert with a compression strap that, when tightened, prevents muscle loss and preserves heart health when the body is subject to zero-gravity conditions. The buckle will be 3D printed in three separate pieces. Check out more details on the design and process in the full article: http://3dprint.com/29064/buckle-3d-printed-in-space/


Below is a photo of the buckle:

[PlasticSpace]

They have printed another 4 items in the last week.

This one is being printed right now as i type.

sammple.jpg