Monthly Archives: April 2013

Making Tools and Spare Parts Using Moon Rocks

Astronaut Buzz Aldrin, lunar module pilot, walks on the surface of the Moon near the leg of the Lunar Module (LM)

At NASA’s request, a team from Washionton State University investigated whether it was possible to use lunar rocks for 3D printing. Supplied by NASA with simulated Moon rocks (or lunar regality simulant) the researchers used a 3D printer to make small objects out of the melted rocks.

Supplied by NASA with simulated moon rocks (lunar regality simulant), the researchers used a 3D printer to make small objects out of the melted rocks which then resolidified. The team’s finding have been published in the Rapid Prototyping Journal in 2012.

If there was ever an effort to colonise the moon, being able to use resources already present there to print out spare parts or tools needed would be quite valuable due to the high cost of transporting everything needed. Using 3D technology and lunar rocks would mean only the digital files would be needed.

Source: BBC News

3D Printing Skyfall’s Aston Martin DB5

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Last year’s Skyfall (by far the best James Bond film made in years) saw the return of the Aston Martin DB5. To save having to blow up the priceless classic car, the makers of the film 3D printed three one-third scale replicas.

Propshop Modelmakers, in charge of creating the prop, commissioned Augsburg-based high-tech company Voxeljet to create the three Aston Martin DB5 models that double for the priceless original vehicle from the 1960s. The cars were printed in 18 parts layer by layer using plastic particle material.The parts were then sent to Propshop Modelmakers in Pinewood Studios near London for its assembly, finishing, lacquering in the original colour, chroming of certain components and the application of realistic bullet holes. Well, colour me impressed.

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3D Printed Shells for Nokia’s Lumia 820 and 520 Handset

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In January, Nokia released design files allowing owners of 3D printers to make their own custom-designed cases for the flagship Lumia 820 handset. In February, the Lumia 520 joined in the fun when the CAD files for its shell were also released. 3D printing still being in its infancy, I don’t think it was ever intended for anyone other than hobbyists but it’s nice to see to ability of some phone personalisation. Have any of you managed to print the case out? And possibly more importantly; has it been durable?