3D Printing: This is a process that creates objects layer by layer from a digital design. It’s used to construct objects from materials like plastic, composites, or bio-materials.
How 3D Printing Works: A 3D model of the object is designed on computer-aided design (CAD) software. The 3D printer then constructs the object using a layering method.
3D Printing in Rocket Engines: By using 3D printing to create engine parts, rocket manufacturers can dramatically reduce the overall costs of a spacecraft. It allows engineers to streamline the production of rocket engine components.
ISRO’s Achievement: ISRO successfully tested a liquid rocket engine made with additive manufacturing technology. The engine, PS4, used in the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), was redesigned by ISRO for production using 3D printing.
Significance: The new engine now saves 97% of raw materials and reduces production time by 60%. A total of 13.7 kg of metal powder is needed now as compared to the earlier requirements of 565 kg of forgings and sheets for conventional manufacturing process. This marks a new era in sustainable space exploration.
Parts Reduction: After the successful test, the number of parts in the engine was reduced from 14 to 1. This further eliminated 19 weld joints, saving raw material usage per engine tremendously.
This breakthrough in rocket engine manufacturing not only represents a significant leap in space technology but also opens up new possibilities for sustainable and cost-effective space exploration.
● ISRO tested a 3D-printed rocket engine.
● The engine is called the PS4 engine.
● The test happened in Tamil Nadu, India.
● The new engine saves 97% of raw materials and cuts production time by 60%.
● The test lasted for 665 seconds.
● The number of parts in the engine was reduced from 14 to 1.
● ISRO announced this success on social media platform X.
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