Lunar 3d Printer
General description of the project
Our team proposes to develop a lunar 3d printer to make structures on the lunar surface. The goal of the project is to print concrete using lunar soil and cement-making figure of a structure through the surface. As an objective we seek to help astronauts settle permanently on the moon, reducing the risk of exposure to micrometeorites and space radiation. This solid structure will serve as fortification for storage and to be able to carry out some experiments on the moon itself such as the plantation of vegetation.
Technologies
To build the module, T-Slotted Framing Rails of 1.5″ High x 1.5″ Wide made of 6105 Aluminum shall be used to make a rectangular shape. This shape would have the dimension of 28.75″ long x 24″ wide x 38.75″ high. Inside the frame four ¾” Acme Threaded Rods will control the movement of the z-axis. They will be moved at the same time to elevate and lower the component for the x and y-axis. At the top, a pulley mechanism will control the rotation of the Acme threaded rods through a NEMA Stepper Motor. Others two T-Slotted Framing of 1″ High x 1″ Wide made of 6105 Aluminum will control the movement of the x-axis. One of them is located on left side of the frame attached to a two Acme Screw Nuts and two ¾” Acme threaded rods of the z axis, and the other one in the right side together to the other ¾” Acme threaded rods. The two T-Slotted rails are composed of a single stepper motor and a pulley attached to Track Roller Carriages that allow the y component axis to move back and forward. Another T-Slotted Framing of 1″ High x 1″ Wide is attached to each of the Track Roller Carriages of the x axis. This rail is composed of another Track Roller Carriages, pulley and a stepper motor that allow the nozzle to move to the left and right direction.
A mix of concrete will put inside the concrete container. Over the top a stepper motor will turn a ¾” Acme Threaded Rods that compressed the concrete inside the container. This pressure will push the concrete through a tubing to the acrylic concrete container a show in Figure 3. The acrylic container allows to show the mix of concrete inside the nozzle. For the other hand, when the acrylic container is full, then the nozzle will extrude the concrete over the bed.
Explain project results
Our Support to NASA’s Artemis Mission:
As engineering students from different fields, we can work as a team, to help settle permanently on the moon, by taking this project, working on it, executing it, building it, and improving it, we will be able to develop and facilitate settling on the moon, by possessing a 3D printer that is capable of creating solid and resistant structures by itself, we will be able to expand the construction of larger facilities on the moon, to the degree that it is apt to give way to new ways of life, within those structures.
Coupled with the lack of gravity and the knowledge that at some point vegetation could be planted because of the many inventions that have been represented to be functional, it would be enough to have a solid structure to serve as fortifications for storage and to be able to do some experiments on the moon itself. So, as a group, can contribute to making these structures possible and consequently take steps toward new inventions that can bring this magnificent project.
Why it should be considered best practice?
It should be considered the best practice because it involves modern technology and autonomous operation that helps to avoid human sacrifice. Autonomous operation and design help us to create many structures on the moon.
Highlights of your proposed presentation
We learn like engineering students that we can improve many things that we have on the Earth and create something new.
The Evaluation Committee will evaluate submitted proposals based on the following criteria. Each area will be rated on a scale from 1 to 7 (1= non-satisfactory; 7 =outstanding), for a maximum of 63 points.