#3DExpress: The First Metal 3D Printer Is Going to Outer Space

Once again, it is time to take a look back at some of the news that has marked the additive manufacturing sector this week. And we’re starting with a piece of news that truly does show that not even the sky can be a limit for 3D printing, as it involves exploring space. French company AddUp has announced, in collaboration with Airbus Defense & Space, that it will be sending the first metal 3D printer into space! It should enable the creation of spare parts aboard the International Space Station. We also take a look at the first FDA-certified 3D-printed gastric device, an unprecedented achievement in the medical sector. We’ll also be talking about Boston Micro Fabrication’s growth, submicron 3D printing and the completion of the largest 3D printed house in Europe. Happy reading and have a great weekend!

Airbus Will Send a Metal 3D Printer into Space

Metals 3D printing solutions manufacturer AddUp has just announced the delivery of a working metal 3D printer in space to the European Space Agency. In collaboration with Airbus Defense & Space, the company has developed a customized metal solution capable of designing parts in microgravity conditions aboard the International Space Station. The project, which began in 2016, marks a milestone in space exploration. The machine is due to be installed on board the Columbus scientific module and will enable the production of four parts. These will then be returned to Earth for analysis, the aim being to make metal additive manufacturing viable in space. This could open up a host of possibilities for astronauts, including the manufacture of spare parts on demand.

Test parts made by the metal 3D printer before its launch into space (photo credits: ESA)

Triastek’s 3D Printed Gastric Device Receives FDA Clearance

We continue this #3DExpress with Triastek, which announced recently that its 3D-printed gastric device has received FDA clearance. Named T22, the model has become the first 3D-printed gastric retention device to receive this certification. The component was created using Triastek’s proprietary melt extrusion and micro-injection molding (MED&MIM) process. This development could benefit the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. T22 could reduce the frequency of administration to once-daily, simplifying the dosing regimen and improving compliance. Following this approval, Triastek said it was preparing to launch clinical studies with T22 to accelerate product development.