Stratasys to Test 3D-Printed Material Performance on Moon

Core Insights - Stratasys Ltd. will provide 3D-printed materials for a lunar mission to test their performance on the moon's surface as part of Aegis Aerospace's SSTEF-1 project, which is under NASA's Tipping Point program [1][2] Group 1: Mission Overview - The SSTEF-1 project aims to develop technology for space infrastructure and capabilities for the moon and near-earth space [1] - Stratasys will supply 3D-printed samples that will be transported to the lunar surface by an unmanned lander using a carrier structure also 3D-printed by Stratasys [2] Group 2: Experiments and Materials - The first experiment will evaluate a sample part made with Stratasys' Antero® 800NA FDM® filament filled with tungsten, designed to provide radiation shielding [2] - The second experiment will assess the performance of 3D-printed materials in space, including Antero 840CN03 FDM filament and a new ESD photopolymer from Henkel, focusing on their resilience to moon dust, low pressure, and temperature fluctuations [3] Group 3: Strategic Importance - The Chief Industrial Business Officer emphasized the significance of additive manufacturing for space missions, highlighting its role in ensuring safety and performance where weight is critical [3] - The carrier structure for the lunar mission will be made from ULTEM™ 9085 thermoplastic, a material commonly used in commercial aircraft interiors, showcasing the versatility of Stratasys' materials [3] Group 4: Company Background - Stratasys is a leader in additive manufacturing, providing innovative 3D printing solutions across various industries, including aerospace and healthcare [4] - The company's solutions aim to enhance product design, manufacturing agility, and patient care, indicating a broad application of its technologies [4]