Planetary Resources, in collaboration with their partner 3D Systems, have developed the first ever direct-metal print from asteroid material. The future of space colonization and industrialization can now be realistically visualized. At the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) today in Las Vegas, NV., they unveiled the geometric object on the Engadget stage.
This spacecraft prototype was 3D printed from an actual asteroid that was, pulverized, powdered and processed on the new 3D Systems ProX DMP 320 metals 3D printer. It is the first part ever 3D Printed with material from outer space and is reminiscent of a design that could originate from a 3D printer in the zero-gravity environment of space.
The asteroid (or meteorite) used for the print materials was from the Campo Del Cielo impact in Argentina, and is composed of iron, nickel and cobalt, which is similar in elemental composition to refinery grade steel.
For more information from 3D Systems, see:
http://de.3dsystems.com/press-releases/3d-systems-demonstrate-transformative-power-3d-technology-ces-2016
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