Made In Space recently installed and setup up the AMF Zero-G 3D printer with NASA MSFC on the International Space Station (ISS), and you can get the rare opportunity to print on the same printer and see the one that is currently on Earth.
Autodesk has had a long partnership with Made In Space including Autodesk's Director, Strategic Initiatives and a serious space science expert Jonathan Knowles who also serves as an advisor to Made In Space.
Made In Space and the Zero-G 3D Printer will be special guests at the Autodesk University 2014 Blogger & Social Media Meetup event the evening of Wednesday December 3rd, 2014. You too can attend the event by winning this competition or completing the Autodesk University 2014 Scavenger Hunt detailed in your AU badge materials or soon at http://autode.sk/auscavenger.
More Info about Zero-G Printer:
http://www.madeinspace.us/off-world-manufacturing-is-here
The Zero-G 3D Printer which has been installed Microgravity Science Glovebox (MSG) on the ISS, the printer will returning to Earth for detailed ground analyses. This first set of prints will serve to verify the printer and extrusion process in the microgravity environment.
“Testing of the 3D printer in microgravity is part of the “3D Printing in Zero-G Technology Demonstration” project, a joint venture made possible by a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Award between Made In Space, Inc. and NASA’s MSFC.
This experiment is intended to validate the use of Additive Manufacturing, commonly referred to as 3D Printing, in space. This will be the first manufacturing device designed for off-planet use and is an essential technology required for future exploration endeavors.“
The Zero-G 3D Printer was also designed using Autodesk tools.
What we are looking for in this 3D print design:
Design each part under 4” x 2" X 2" inches in ABS material without the need for support material. Think about something practical with a purpose for the astronauts who live and work for long durations on the International Space Station and what they might need and not have access to, but could be 3D printed. Some of the challenges astronauts have are losing things or small tools. Think about material optimization in the design and be very creative and perhaps NASA might like your idea enough to print it up in space!
Deadline and Judging:
Please provide a Zip file with a text document about your design such as the purpose and inspiration as well as the source .ipt or .f3d file to me using Autodesk 360, Dropbox, or email me and I will provide you a Dropbox folder to upload your Zip file entry by Monday December 1st at 5PM Pacific.
Jonathan Knowles and myself of Autodesk and the Made In Space team will make the final decision on the winner on Tuesday December 2nd.
Bonus Points:
- Use Autodesk software like Autodesk Fusion 360 to design your entry.
- Design as a collaboration project in a team and more bonus points if you involve both boys & girls, men and women.
- Design for a true zero gravity design or one that is both designed for zero gravity, but can also be used back here on Earth and printed out by others.
Made In Space will have the Earth based Zero-G 3D printer at the Blogger and Social Meetup event and printing the winner of the a 3D design competition's. The winner will also get a front row seat for the closing keynote, and a seat on the next launch to the International Space Station – just kidding on the space ride.
We look forward to your submissions!
–Shaan
