The Energia rocket and space corporation (RSC Energia, part of Roscosmos) is interested in improving the 3D printer on board the Russian segment of the International Space Station. The task of modifying existing scientific equipment for further research and manufacturing new equipment will be delegated to Skoltech, advisor to the general designer of the corporation Alexander Chernyavsky told TASS.

Ivan Sergeichev, who heads the Skoltech Materials Center, told TASS that today the center is developing its own five-axis 3D printer, which is capable of moving the nozzle in three dimensions, as well as rotating the platform with the product around two axes. “By the end of 2025, we plan to receive a prototype of this printer, which will carry out composite printing — that is, printing a polymer reinforced with carbon fibers,” he said.

Sergeichev says that Skoltech has experience with this type of task: Back in 2017, the Materials Center created the first prototype 3D printer for composite printing, which was successfully launched by Anisoprint. Since then, the center has also developed a prototype printer for ceramic printing.

“We are currently discussing modifications with Skoltech. To clarify, we’re discussing the manufacture of a new printer immediately following the modernization,” Chernyavsky said. He recalled that a 3D printer that is operating in the Russian segment today was created in 2018-2021 by scientists from Tomsk Polytechnic University and Tomsk State University together with specialists from RSC Energia. It was delivered to the station in June 2022.

According to Chernyavsky, the existing printer is currently designed for testing processes and technologies for additive manufacturing of products, as well as samples for obtaining physical and mechanical characteristics and properties of these products. This development is necessary for manufacturing some parts and assemblies directly on board the ISS. “We are working on important technologies. The modified and new printer set the stage for the future — we are already preparing a technical specification for standard Russian Orbital Station additive equipment,” Chernyavsky emphasized.

Credit: TASS.