Since Anisoprint was selected for pre-incubation in ESRIC’s Startup Support Program to adjust continuous fiber 3D printing technology for microgravity conditions, the team has made great strides toward expanding the resources network. To secure demonstration and validation of CFC (continuous fiber coextrusion) technology capacities in orbit and for the deployment of 3D printing manufacturing, the Luxembourg hardware OEM signed a memorandum of understanding with Nanoracks Space Outpost Europe.
A 3D printing solution for space
Dmitrii Prokopiuk, Anisoprint Head of Space Development: “We are excited to join forces with such an experienced and well-respected in source industry partner: adjusting CFC technology for microgravity is the first step, the next is to deploy the technology in orbit together with Nanoracks Space Outpost Europe.”
In space, there is a huge demand for on-site production of parts and components:
—Customers do not want to depend on the supply of spare parts and components from the Earth.
—While the delivery from the Earth is expensive and time-consuming, there is a need to have components at hand.
3D printing solves issues and mitigates the risks
On site manufacturing minimizes delivery cost and shape limitations, it also reduces the number of delivery missions. The patented Anisoprint CFC technology creates zero waste which is environmentally efficient and does not increase the amount of space debris. In addition, it is fully automated manufacturing that does not require manual labor.
Veronica La Regina, Director Business Development at Nanoracks Europe: “With our plans to develop orbit stations and other space facilities to serve the market needs at the best, it is getting more and more crucial – the role of these innovative in-orbit manufacturing machines. We are looking forward to experiencing the CFC 3D-printing capabilities in our portfolio.”
Anisoprint is eager to start working on the R&D team roadmap for the endeavor.
Being the center of European space resources R&D, Luxembourg provides indispensable support to develop unique innovative solutions that satisfy the needs of the space sector and secure the future orbital economy. In his presentation at Space Resources Week 2022, Dmitrii Prokopiuk discussed the role of CFC 3D printing for the space resources utilization.
About Nanoracks:
Nanoracks Space Outpost Europe is using space to improve life on Earth by providing commercial access to space. Our future is in owning and operating private space stations and platforms. Nanoracks continues to always meet growing customer needs in orbit, while also leaping into new territory that will allow to use their unique access to space to mitigate space debris and bring tangible changes to life on Earth, from water scarcity to climate change.
Nanoracks is a leader in the commercial utilization of space, with commercial and public-sector customers in the United States and globally. It provides a wide range of services on the International Space Station (ISS) and is engaged in the development of orbital infrastructure.
About Anisoprint:
Anisoprint is a Luxembourg-based hardware startup producing 3D Printers that allow to manufacture continuous fiber reinforced plastic parts that can substitute metal ones in aerospace, engineering and many other areas along with cutting costs and increasing productivity.
Continuous Fiber Coextrusion (CFC), the technology that was developed and patented by the company, allows to create lattice structures, which is the key for multimaterial optimization and production. Such parts are lighter, stronger and cheaper than their metal analogs.
We are now on the cusp of a new industrial revolution that will end mass production in areas where individual goods or small batch goods are needed.