Future Engineers "Thinking out of the box" 3D printing design challenge

[iDig3Dprinting]

SO this may get those creative juices flowing. NASA has a new 3D printing design challenge called "Think out side the box". The idea is to design something that expands or can be assembled to a size greater than their 3D printers build area.

[curious aardvark]

so the official space 3d printer has a build volume of 140x100x100mm.

Because obviously nobody in space would want anything bigger.
Sheesh.

I have just finished a design that comes off the bed and expands to a bigger thing. But not sure what call there is in space for an expanding filament spool :-)
It does look like a space station, not sure that's exactly what they're looking for.

[iDig3Dprinting]

I think space might be a premium on the ISS currently and the printer is really part of an experimental program.

You should submit your design though, it might need a spool holder.

Here is some specifications on the printer.

[curious aardvark]

Under the agreement for use of AMF, Made In Space will own the machine while NASA and other customers will pay to use it.

You telling me that nasa can't afford to buy a fairly basic fdm printer ?

The world has gone mad.

So how much are they going to pay per print ?

[Geoff]

Sorry, I deleted my post because I realized your article was not the same as the one they published.

[iDig3Dprinting]

You telling me that nasa can't afford to buy a fairly basic fdm printer ?

The world has gone mad.

So how much are they going to pay per print ?

A lot, 1Billion Dollars Hu HA Ha Haaaaaaaaa!

(Sorry I had to add the end bit as the post would be too short).

[iDig3Dprinting]

Sorry, I deleted my post because I realized your article was not the same as the one they published.

OK, we were a bit confused I have to admit, we deleted our reply as the thread didn't make any sense. No problems, we have inflated our bubble again.

[Geoff]

OK, we were a bit confused I have to admit, we deleted our reply as the thread didn't make any sense. No problems, we have inflated our bubble again.

:P That's good, i'll be sure to keep my needles away.

Speaking of Nasa, I'm really interested in what they are doing with printers taking raw material from planet surfaces and printing with those - I think that's the future there.

[curious aardvark]

yeah, much more fun that renting a 3d printer on their own space station.