NASA's 3D-printed rocket engine is one of the most
groundbreaking creations of the year. The evolution of the uses
for 3D printing are accelerating at literally light speed.
Whether it's 3D-printed casts or prosthetic limbs, the ability
for this technology to push the limits is astounding. NASA used
selective laser printing that utilizes a high-powered laser to
melt the structure while infusing it with metallic powders to
both increase the heat resistance and strengthen it --
definitely not the traditional 3D printing most are used to.
Just how much of an impact could this make? As NASA explains,
"This type of injector manufactured with traditional processes
would take more than a year to make, but with these new
processes it can be produced in less than four months, with a 70
percent reduction in cost." Not only is the process faster, but
a reduction in cost of that size when looking at the huge amount
of money it traditionally takes is literally a massive
discovery. The future is definitely bright with NAS