中国成功实现太空金属3D打印 首次制造出完整金属构件

Core Insights - The Chinese Academy of Sciences' Institute of Mechanics has successfully manufactured a complete metal component in microgravity using laser additive manufacturing technology, marking a significant advancement in China's space metal manufacturing capabilities [1][3]. Group 1: Technological Advancements - The microgravity laser additive manufacturing experiment was conducted aboard the "Lihong-1" suborbital vehicle, successfully obtaining data on metal component manufacturing in space [3]. - The experiment overcame key technical challenges related to metal additive manufacturing in microgravity, including shape control, closed-loop regulation, and high-reliability collaboration between payload and rocket [3][5]. - The success of this experiment positions China at the forefront of space metal 3D printing technology, laying a solid foundation for future in-orbit manufacturing and maintenance technologies [3][7]. Group 2: Future Applications - Space metal 3D printing is viewed as a critical enabling technology for future space missions, allowing for rapid manufacturing and autonomous repair of spacecraft components, thereby enhancing mission flexibility and sustainability for deep space exploration and long-term space station operations [3][5]. - The "Lihong-1" vehicle currently operates at an altitude of approximately 120 kilometers, providing over 300 seconds of high-quality microgravity environment, with plans for future upgrades to support longer missions and higher precision manufacturing needs [5][7]. - The Institute of Mechanics is building a theoretical framework and process database for space metal manufacturing, which will support the development of future "space factories" [7].