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UW-Madison Engineers Achieve Zero Gravity 3D Printing of RAM

Student engineers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have taken a giant leap toward self-sustaining space exploration by successfully 3D printing Random Access Memory (RAM) devices in zero gravity. This achievement, realized in March 2024, represents a significant advancement

UW-Madison Engineers Achieve Zero Gravity 3D Printing of RAM
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Student engineers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have taken a giant leap toward self-sustaining space exploration by successfully 3D printing Random Access Memory (RAM) devices in zero gravity. This achievement, realized in March 2024, represents a significant advancement for long-duration space missions.

Traditional 3D printing techniques rely on gravity to function, allowing the printer to extrude materials through its nozzle, a method incompatible with the zero-gravity conditions of space. To address this, the UW-Madison team, led by Assistant Professor Hantang Qin from the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, developed a novel approach known as electrohydrodynamic (EHD) printing.

(Photo Credits: UW-Madison)

This technique leverages electrical forces to propel liquid materials through an ultra-fine nozzle measuring just 30 micrometers in diameter. Despite the zero-gravity conditions of space, the tension created by this micro-nozzle prevents the material from seeping out of the printer at any time outside the printing process. Elaborating on this process, Qin stated, “Under this small scale, the surface tension will prevent the liquid from flowing out from this nozzle. And then we apply this electrical force to break out of this surface tension force.”