3D Systems collaborates with Penn State, ASU researchers on NASA projects

3D Systems (DDD) is collaborating with researchers from Penn State University and Arizona State University on two projects sponsored by the National Aeronautics & Space Administration intended to enable ground-breaking alternatives to current thermal management solutions. Severe temperature fluctuations in space can damage sensitive spacecraft components, resulting in mission failure. By combining deep applications expertise with 3D Systems’ leading additive manufacturing solutions comprising Direct Metal Printing technology and tailored materials and Oqton’s 3DXpert software, the teams are engineering sophisticated thermal management solutions for the demands of next-generation satellites and space exploration. The project led by researchers with Penn State University, Arizona State University, and the NASA Glenn Research Center1 in collaboration with 3D Systems’ Application Innovation Group has resulted in processes to build embedded high-temperature passive heat pipes in heat rejection radiators that are additively manufactured in titanium. These heat pipe radiators are 50% lighter per area with increased operating temperatures compared with current state-of-the-art radiators, allowing them to radiate heat more efficiently for high power systems. Additionally, a project led by researchers at Penn State University and NASA Glenn Research Center with 3D Systems’ AIG yielded a process to additively manufacture one of the first functional parts using nickel titanium shape memory alloys that can be passively actuated and deployed when heated. This passive shape memory alloy radiator is projected to yield a deployed-to-stowed area ratio that is 6x larger than currently available solutions, enabling future high-power communications and science missions in restricted CubeSat volume. When deployed on spacecraft, such as satellites, these radiators can raise operating power levels and reduce thermal stress on sensitive components, preventing failures and prolonging satellite lifespan.