Stratasys Ltd., the 3D printing and additive manufacturing solutions company, announced on June 21 that the German Aerospace Centre is producing a fully functional ‘TransRoPorter' (TRP) using a Stratasys FDM 3D printer. The TransRoPorter is an exploration robot built by Institute for Robotics and Mechatronics for unmanned exploration of Mars, scheduled to launch in 2021 or 2022.
TransRoPorter Prototype with FDM 3D printed components (Image credit: Business Wire)
Stratasys is used their Fortus 900mc Production 3D printer to print a working prototype robot, significantly cutting production times compared to traditional manufacturing methods. The prototype robot allows the robot to be tested under simulated extreme conditions prior to the mission.
The TransRoPorter consists of two main components: a movable TRP Rover-Unit, for navigating unstructured terrain, and the payload module (PM), which carries spare parts, communication technology and scientific tools. The robot is undergoing extensive testing to ensure that it is fully functional.
The parts for TransRoPorter prototype were to fit the design and customized to exact specifications during development. "For us it was clear, a prototype made out of metal was too expensive and complex in production," explains Dr. Kaj Fuehrer, Head of System Building Technology South. For this reason, the team decided on using 3D printed parts, which are less expensive, quicker to produce and did not need post-production finishing as required by the metal alternatives.
"In the planning of this project, we always preferred 3D printing technology," he explained. "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."
See the full press release here.
