- Stratasys is cooperating with the
Institute for Robotics and Mechatronics (Institut für Robotik und
Mechatronik) of the German Aerospace Centre (Das Deutsche Zentrum
für Luft- und Raumfahrt e.V.) in the production of a TransRoPorter
for unmanned missions to Mars
Stratasys Ltd. (Nasdaq:SSYS), the 3D printing and additive
manufacturing solutions company, today announced that the German
Aerospace Centre (Das Deutsche Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt
e.V.) is using Stratasys FDM 3D printing for the production of a
fully-working prototype of ‘TransRoPorter’ (TRP).
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TransRoPorter Prototype with FDM 3D
printed components (Photo: Business Wire)
TransRoPorter, built at the Institute for Robotics and
Mechatronics (Institut für Robotik und Mechatronik), is an
exploration robot designed for unmanned flights to Mars and set for
launch in four to five years. To successfully explore Mars with a
robot, design and functionality are key factors to meeting the
objectives of the mission. Using a Stratasys Fortus 900mc
Production 3D Printer, the research team 3D printed a working
prototype, significantly reducing production times compared to
traditional methods. This enables the team to test the design and
functionality of the robot under simulated extreme conditions ahead
of time.
Dr. Kaj Fuehrer, Head of System Building Technology South
(Leiter Systemhaus Technik Süd), is developing and testing the 3D
printed robot prototype together with his colleagues Dr. Stefano
Seriani und Dr. Armin Wedler. The TransRoPorter is made from two
components: the moveable TRP Rover-Unit, made to navigate in
unstructured terrain, and the Payload-Module (PM), which carries
spare parts, communication technology and scientific tools. To
ensure functionality and practicality of the 3D printed prototype,
rigorous testing is required.
Fast production
In developing the TransRoPorter prototype, it is essential for
the part to fit the design, be customized to exact specifications
and have specific material properties. “For us it was clear, a
prototype made out of metal was too expensive and complex in
production,” explains Dr. Fuehrer. Therefore the team decided on a
3D printed prototype, which is not only produced faster than the
alternative out of metal, but also with less associated costs. The
metal alternative also needs to be finished post-production – more
work with additional costs.
“In the planning of this project, we always preferred 3D
printing technology,” he continues. “It became evident to us that
using 3D printing for the production of the TransRoPorter was truly
the least expensive, fastest and most elegant solution. Everyone
involved in the project is delighted with the outcome.”
Optimizing functionality
In addition to the time and cost savings, the functionality of
the prototype was critical to Dr. Fuehrer and his team. “Our
prototypes are often very complex and typically push the boundaries
of what is possible,” says Dr. Fuehrer. “Therefore, it is important
to choose the appropriate production method and material, so that
we can achieve the desired functionality without any
limitations.”
Using the Stratasys Fortus900mc Production 3D Printer, the
research team are 3D printing large parts in FDM thermoplastic
materials. According to Dr. Fuehrer, the ASA material was ideally
suited for testing the TransRoPorter prototype, enabling the team
to produce a strong enough Box to contain all the technology safely
within.
“It was extremely important that the fit was right, that the box
could be mounted to the tracks and the docking port worked,” he
explains. “Utilizing Stratasys FDM 3D printing technology, we found
that the material basically has no distortion. The decision for ASA
material was consciously made, as it is ideal for our purposes and
handling.”
Stefano Seriani adds: “The stability of the ASA material also
played a large role for us. We needed a fully functional prototype
that could perform in all tests and withstand the strain of the
design. The tough and rigid properties of the Stratasys material
were therefore an ideal fit to test the TransRoPorter’s
functionality for its journey to Mars.”
Gaining valuable knowledge
According to Dr. Fuehrer, 3D printing also supports other
strategic goals. “A new technology leads to new thought processes.
Over the past few years, many colleagues are already thinking in 3D
and are involving additive manufacturing into plans for other
projects they are starting with. This new knowledge has opened them
up to a new set of possibilities within product development.”
Andy Middleton, President Stratasys EMEA, concludes: “We are
proud to support the German Aerospace Centre (Das Deutsche Zentrum
für Luft- und Raumfahrt) in achieving its mission to Mars. The
project is a prime example of how our FDM 3D printing technology
and materials can enable designs to be tested quickly in extreme
conditions, particularly important in aerospace where complex
geometries are required and each part needs to be qualified. We
look forward to seeing how additive manufacturing will be adopted
further along the development of the TransRoPorter.”
For additional news and images, please visit the Stratasys
newsroom.
About Stratasys
For nearly 30 years, Stratasys Ltd. (NASDAQ:SSYS) has
been a defining force in 3D printing and additive manufacturing,
shaping the way things are made. Headquartered in Minneapolis,
Minnesota and Rehovot, Israel, the company empowers customers
across vertical markets, including Aerospace, Automotive,
Healthcare, Education, and Consumer Products, by enabling new
approaches for design and manufacturing. Stratasys solutions offer
design freedom and manufacturing flexibility, reducing
time-to-market and lowering development costs, while improving
products and communication. Subsidiaries include MakerBot,
Solidscape, and Stratasys Direct Manufacturing, which offers 3D
printed parts on demand. The company also offers Expert Services in
North America, and the Thingiverse and GrabCAD communities, with
over 4 million free, 3D printable design files. Stratasys has
1,200 granted or pending additive manufacturing patents and has
received more than 30 technology and leadership awards. Online at:
www.stratasys.com or http://blog.stratasys.com/. Follow us on
LinkedIn.
Stratasys and FDM are registered trademarks, and
the Stratasys signet is a trademark of Stratasys
Ltd. and or its subsidiaries or affiliates. All other
trademarks belong to their respective owners.
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