Originally published November 25, 2014 at 7:52 PM | Page modified November 25, 2014 at 11:02 PM<\/p>\n
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. The first 3-D printer in space has popped out its first creation. <\/p>\n
The 3-D printer delivered to the International Space Station two months ago made a sample replacement part for itself this week. It churned out a new faceplate for the print head casing. <\/p>\n
Space-station commander Butch Wilmore removed the small plastic creation from the printer Tuesday, a day after its manufacture. <\/p>\n
Some of the plastic piece stuck to the print tray, said NASA spokesman Dan Huot. He noted its part of the learning process and will be further investigated. <\/p>\n
About 20 objects will be printed in the next few weeks, all for return to Earth for analysis, NASA said. The space agency hopes to one day use 3-D printing to make parts for broken equipment in space an on-demand machine shop, according to project manager Niki Werkheiser. <\/p>\n
Made in Space, the Northern California company that supplied the space stations 3-D printer, called it a transformative moment. The newly created, rectangular faceplate considered functional by the company includes the Made in Space name, as well as NASAs. <\/p>\n
When the first human fashioned a tool from a rock, it couldnt have been conceived that one day wed be replicating the same fundamental idea in space, Aaron Kemmer, chief executive officer, said in a statement. <\/p>\n
Similar 3-D items will be duplicated at the companys offices in Mountain View for comparison. <\/p>\n
The stronger-than-expected adhesion to the print tray could mean that the layer-by-layer bonding process is different in weightlessness, NASA noted. <\/p>\n
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Space stations 3-D printer makes own replacement part<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Originally published November 25, 2014 at 7:52 PM | Page modified November 25, 2014 at 11:02 PM CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. The first 3-D printer in space has popped out its first creation. The 3-D printer delivered to the International Space Station two months ago made a sample replacement part for itself this week Continue reading