ESA Tinkercad 2020

Introduction

The ESA Teach with Space Online Training – 3D design in education with Tinkercad. 19 and 26 Jajn 2022. 16h30 - 18h30 CET.

Catia Cardoso

Materials and processes for space. Challenges for space materials and procesesses.

• Low mass (when launched from Earth)
• Small production series
• Very high reliability
•  Limited manufacturing processes (automation)
• Small to large geometries
• Very high performances
• Challenging material procurement
• On-demand manufacturing (exploration, repair)
• Efficient use of material.

Additive manufacturing: 3d CAD model, slicing, layer-wise assembly, complete part

• No tool
• Design freedom: any shape is possible(?)
• Many materials can be used

Not that simple

• End-to-end process: several steps

1. Design: Design limitations (angles, overhangs, thin walls). Need for support structures
2. Material supply: Powder is not perfect. Contamination: effect all the way to the end product
3. Processing
4. Post processing: Surface polishing, cleaning.Heat treatment to improve strength, remove defects
5. Testing/ qualification

• Challenges at every step

What can it do for us

• Lower mass: put material only where is is needed.
• Fewer parts: less manufacturing steps
• Very large parts