Stratasys to Test 3D-Printed Material Performance on Moon
Stratasys Ltd. (NASDAQ: SSYS) will provide 3D-printed materials for an upcoming lunar mission to test their performance on the moon. The experiments are part of Aegis Aerospace, Inc.'s SSTEF-1 project, focusing on technology development for space infrastructure. Stratasys will provide samples for two experiments led by Northrop Grumman, assessing radiation shielding and material performance in space.
The collaboration between Stratasys and Aegis Aerospace represents a significant advancement in the utilization of additive manufacturing for space exploration. The focus on testing 3D-printed materials in lunar conditions is crucial. Materials like the Antero 800NA with tungsten have the potential to revolutionize space travel by reducing the weight of spacecraft while providing necessary radiation shielding. The performance of such materials in withstanding moon dust, low pressure and temperature fluctuations will be pivotal in determining their suitability for long-term space missions.
Moreover, the use of ULTEM™ 9085 thermoplastic is noteworthy. Its common application in aircraft interiors due to its strength-to-weight ratio and flame retardancy suggests that it could offer similar benefits in space applications. If successful, this could lead to more cost-effective and efficient production methods for spacecraft components, ultimately benefiting companies in the aerospace sector by reducing costs and improving safety.
Stratasys' involvement in the SSTEF-1 project under NASA’s Tipping Point program could have financial implications for the company and its stakeholders. The aerospace sector's demand for innovative materials that can withstand the harsh environment of space presents a growth opportunity for Stratasys. If the materials perform well in the lunar environment, it could lead to an increase in demand for Stratasys' 3D printing solutions within the aerospace industry.
Investors should monitor the outcomes of these experiments closely as they could influence Stratasys' market position and potentially lead to partnerships or contracts with aerospace firms. Success in this venture could result in an uptick in Stratasys' stock price and enhance the company's reputation as a leader in high-performance 3D printing materials for space applications.
The space industry is rapidly evolving, with an increased emphasis on sustainable and cost-effective solutions. Stratasys’ provision of 3D-printed materials for lunar testing taps into the growing market for space-compatible materials. The results from the SSTEF-1 mission will provide valuable data that could influence market trends and consumer expectations within the aerospace industry. A positive outcome could position Stratasys as a key player in the market for space-grade 3D printing materials, potentially expanding their customer base and driving innovation in the sector.
Furthermore, the development of new ESD photopolymers and their performance in extreme conditions might open new market segments for Stratasys, including electronics in space applications. The ability to produce components that can handle electrostatic discharge is critical for the safety and functionality of space electronics, which could lead to an increased market share for Stratasys in this niche area.
03/12/2024 - 08:15 AM
Ground testing suggests potential for 50 percent radiation dose reduction
EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. & REHOVOT, Israel --(BUSINESS WIRE)--
Stratasys Ltd. (NASDAQ: SSYS), a leader in polymer 3D printing solutions, today announced that it will provide 3D-printed materials for an upcoming lunar mission to test their performance on the surface of the moon. The experiments are part of Aegis Aerospace, Inc.’s first Space Science & Technology Evaluation Facility mission (SSTEF-1). SSTEF is a commercial space testing service, developed by Aegis Aerospace in Houston, Texas under NASA’s Tipping Point program, to provide R&D services on the lunar surface. The SSTEF-1 project focuses on technology development for space infrastructure and capabilities for the moon and near-earth space. The Stratasys experiments are sponsored by Northrop Grumman Corporation.
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FDM Antero 840CN03 radiation experiment housing with red UTLEM 9085 “Remove Before Flight” cover to protect the test samples during transport and installation. (Photo: Business Wire)
In this moon mission, Stratasys will provide 3D-printed samples that will be brought to the lunar surface by an unmanned lander in a carrier structure 3D-printed by Stratasys. Three materials will be the focus of two different experiments led by Northrop Grumman.
The first experiment assesses the performance of a sample coupon part made with Stratasys’ Antero® 800NA FDM® filament filled with tungsten. Antero 800NA is a high-performance PEKK-based thermoplastic with excellent mechanical properties, chemical resistance, and low outgassing characteristics. Adding tungsten is intended to provide shielding against harmful radiation such as gamma rays or x-rays.
The second passive experiment is designed to see how 3D-printed materials perform in space. It will include Antero 840CN03 FDM filament, which features ESD properties for use with electronics and was used on the Orion spacecraft. The experiment will also include a new ESD photopolymer manufactured by Stratasys partner Henkel for use with Stratasys’ Origin® One 3D printers and designed for high-heat environments. This experiment will subject coupon samples of the 3D-printed materials to moon dust, low pressure that can lead to outgassing, and the rapid temperature swings that result from virtually no atmosphere on the moon.
“Additive manufacturing is an important technology for space missions where every ounce of weight matters and high performance is essential,” said Chief Industrial Business Officer Rich Garrity. “This set of experiments will help us understand how to fully leverage 3D printing to keep people and equipment safe as we travel to the moon and beyond.”
Parts will be brought to the lunar surface by an unmanned lander in a Stratasys 3D printed carrier structure made from ULTEM™ 9085 thermoplastic, which is a material also commonly used in commercial aircraft interiors.
About Stratasys
Stratasys is leading the global shift to additive manufacturing with innovative 3D printing solutions for industries such as aerospace, automotive, consumer products and healthcare. Through smart and connected 3D printers, polymer materials, a software ecosystem, and parts on demand, Stratasys solutions deliver competitive advantages at every stage in the product value chain. The world’s leading organizations turn to Stratasys to transform product design, bring agility to manufacturing and supply chains, and improve patient care.
To learn more about Stratasys, visit www.stratasys.com , the Stratasys blog , Twitter , LinkedIn , or Facebook . Stratasys reserves the right to utilize any of the foregoing social media platforms, including Stratasys’ websites, to share material, non-public information pursuant to the SEC’s Regulation FD. To the extent necessary and mandated by applicable law, Stratasys will also include such information in its public disclosure filings.
Stratasys, Antero, and FDM are trademarks or registered trademarks of Stratasys Ltd. and/or its affiliates. 9085 and ULTEM trademarks are used under license from SABIC, its affiliate or subsidiary. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners, and Stratasys assumes no responsibility with regard to the selection, performance, or use of these non-Stratasys products.
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Source: Stratasys Ltd.
What is the purpose of Stratasys providing 3D-printed materials for an upcoming lunar mission?
Stratasys will provide samples for two experiments led by Northrop Grumman to assess radiation shielding and material performance in space.
What are the materials used in the experiments for the lunar mission?
The materials include Stratasys' Antero® 800NA FDM® filament filled with tungsten for radiation shielding and Antero 840CN03 FDM filament with ESD properties for use in space.
Who is sponsoring the Stratasys experiments for the lunar mission?
The Stratasys experiments are sponsored by Northrop Grumman Corporation.
What is the focus of the SSTEF-1 project by Aegis Aerospace, Inc.?
The SSTEF-1 project focuses on technology development for space infrastructure and capabilities for the moon and near-earth space.
What is the significance of using 3D printing in space missions according to Chief Industrial Business Officer Rich Garrity?
Chief Industrial Business Officer Rich Garrity stated that additive manufacturing is important for space missions where weight matters and high performance is essential.
