3D Printer Technology says formal talks with the China National Space Administration will discuss development of larger off-world DAF3D.
(1888PressRelease) July 19, 2019 - Hong Kong-based 3D printer innovator, 3D Printer Technology Limited says that forthcoming formal talks with the China National Space Administration (CNSA) will focus on plans for an order of several units of the company’s core DAF3D printer for installation aboard what is thought to be a future orbital space lab.
The CNSA which earlier this year successfully landed a probe on the dark side of the moon is thought to be keen to establish a permanent space station in low orbit above the Earth aboard which it can conduct various experiments and research in the unique low/zero gravity environment.
“While it is unlikely that we will ever be fully briefed of what type of experiments will take place aboard such an installation, the presence of several of our DAF3D printers would seem to indicate that significant manufacturing capacity will be required,” said the 3D Printer Technology Chief Technology Officer (CTO).
The unit currently deployed aboard the International Space Station (ISS) has been used to manufacture replacement parts and tools for maintenance but a requirement for several DAF3D units hints at larger scale fabrication.
Smaller versions of 3D Printer Technology’s core product are in operation at a number of terrestrial projects around the world including aboard submersibles and remote oil platform installations but securing an order from the CNSA will, according to the company’s CTO, be an “important further step” for the company’s profile in the highly competitive 3D printer market.
The talks are scheduled for August 18, 2019 in Beijing, China.