Mixing Regolith With Polymer Saves Mass For 3D Printing

Mixing Regolith With Polymer Saves Mass For 3D Printing
By Andy Tomaswick (https://ift.tt/z3yvLRs)

3D printing is going to be a critical technology in space exploration, both for its ability to create almost any object, but also because it can utilize in-situ resources, at least in part. However, the more of those space resources are used in a print, the more the mechanical properties change from that on Earth, leading to problems with tensile or compressive strength. But a new paper from researchers at Concordia University hit a new milestone of how much lunar regolith can be used in a mixed feedstock for additive manufacturing, making it possible to use even more locally sourced material, and saving more launch cost, than ever before.

August 9, 2025 at 05:00PM
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