Manufacturing Parts in Outer Space

One day, everything in space will be made in space. That’s the ultimate goal for Made In Space Inc., said Matt Napoli, vice president of in-space operations, during his Oct. 25 keynote presentation “Made in Space: Manufacturing at 17,200 mph” at The Quality Show. The trade show took place Oct. 24-26 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont, Ill.

Napoli said the Moffett Field, Calif.-based company began its mission in 2014 with the zero-gravity experiment of 3D printing plastic parts on the International Space Station (ISS). “There was no other way to make products in space until 3D printing came along.”

But first, Made In Space had to convince NASA that printing parts in space was possible and to provide funding for the project, he added. The ISS’ first 3D printer operated in a containment system because of safety considerations, but the second one does not.

Matt Napoli, vice president of in-space operations for Made In Space, presents a keynote address about manufacturing components in space at The Quality Show. Image courtesy of BNP Media.

According to Napoli, more than 100 parts have been printed on the ISS from three polymer materials: acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyetherimide/polycarbonate (PEI/PC) and polyethylene (green PE). The astronauts are not informed in advance what part will be printed next.

“The material characteristics are the same in space as on the ground,” he said.