This beginners course introduces the you, the participant, to the history and methods of 3D printing related to outer space activities and how it reflects on the future of outer space. The course also explains how 3D printers work as well as including information designing and printing your own 3D object.

Course Videos: The course is comprised of 7 videos including a tutor biography, brief overview, course introduction and conclusion by your tutor, Roger Brown.

In the following course, we will cover the following topics

A History of 3D printing in outer space.

• Why 3D print in outer space?

• Printer designed on Earth for use in Zero-G.

• Manufacturing the prototype.

• Training to use and test it in Zero-G on the ‘Zero-G’ aircraft.

• Actual use – demo – 3D printer operated in outer-space on the International Space Station.

  
  

About 3D Printers.

• How they work.

• 3D printing methods.

• 3D print demonstration.

Designing a 3D print.

• Types of 3D printing machines.

• Types of filament / print feedstock.

• Downloading and using a 3D design App.

• STL files.

  
  

Slicing and G-code

• An explanation of slicing.

• An explanation of G-Code.

• How x, y, z coordinates drive the printer’s head.

Printing a 3D object.

• Watching an object printed in fast motion.

• 3D printing a part for use in a telescope.

• Replacing a lost item from a Saturn-5 model rocket.

• 3D printing fun facts.