Guides

NASA Engineers on the Importance of Metal Additive Manufacturing for Propulsion

For some time now, NASA has been using 3D printing for everything from prototyping to end-use parts. In fact, it’s use has become so widespread, that the organization is becoming one of the leaders in research into the use of…

NASA metal 3D printing
3Dnatives

For some time now, NASA has been using 3D printing for everything from prototyping to end-use parts. In fact, it’s use has become so widespread, that the organization is becoming one of the leaders in research into the use of metal additive manufacturing especially for a variety of applications. This has been proven as well by a book released by four employees of NASA that aims to guide the adoption of metal AM specifically for propulsion applications. Aptly named Metal Additive Manufacturing for Propulsion Applications, we spoke to the authors to learn more about the use of metal 3D printing at NASA as well as what readers can expect in the book itself. Note as well, that you can register HERE for our giveaway where 10 lucky winners will receive their own free copy of the book (until June 10th).

3DN: Could you introduce yourselves and your connection to 3D printing?

We are all employees of NASA Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, United States. Paul Gradl is a principal engineer working the design, development, analysis, manufacturing and testing of liquid rocket engines. He serves as a principal investigator for several projects focused on metal additive manufacturing (AM) using new processes, novel materials, and design complexities for rocket engines. He has worked in additive for nearly two decades with some of the early powder bed fusion machines and has collaborated with various commercial partners to evolve several metal AM materials and processes into flight.

Omar Mireles is an additive manufacture research and development engineer. He serves as principal investigator for numerous additive manufacturing R&D projects including refractory metal additive manufacture maturation efforts, and infusion of additive manufacture into propulsion, cryogenic fluid management, and space nuclear power and propulsion systems. He has over 20 years of experience in design, manufacturing, post-processing, materials characterization, and testing.