Fabrication techniques

I agree with your thinking about its application here on earth. And yes, it would not be like current 3-D printers, as it would be fabricating a useable item.

As for a space station, the ability to custom make parts that may need very tight tolerances (airlocks, for example), these machines would complement other fabrication devices. It will also allow for smaller customized parts. The degree to which this is absolutely required for habitats may be debated or could be provided by other approaches that can wholly deposit metal in a defined shape. Individuals will want some personalized items, and machines like this can do that. Your example of reviewing already designed items and selecting the ones you want is what I expect. Though the price per unit may be higher, such capabilities could greatly enhance quality of life in space.

Dan Wylie-Sears wrote:
> Separate from 3-D printers (polystyrene, ABS plastic, wax, etc.)
there are some other interesting developments. Based on your
comments, thought you might like to read this article:
>
> http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/13.09/fablab_pr.html

Replacement parts seem like a big market, and downloadable specs
will be crucial. But I see it as less like a printer and more like
the key-copying machine at the hardware store. Who's going to give
space on their desk to a machine they'll use once every six months
tops? Not me, anyway. Keeping the raw materials on hand? Pain in
the neck, and if you have to go buy the materials you might just as
well go buy the part instead.

Home Depot well may have a fabricator in every store ten or twenty
years from now. If you need a replacement handle for a cupboard,
and they don't have one in stock, you'll just choose it from the
list of downloadable specs on their website and they'll have in made
by the time you get there. Or you'll be able to do your own design
with the software on their website. Fits perfectly with their motto
of "You can do it. We can help." Besides Home Depot, fabricators
will probably be used by hobbyists, mail-order entrepreneurs, and
any business that now has a machine shop. That won't be enough to
bring it down to truly mass-market pricing, but it will be enough to
get it designed and built.

--- In spacesettlers@yahoogroups.com, Matt Gallimore
wrote:
>
> Separate from 3-D printers (polystyrene, ABS plastic, wax, etc.)
there are some other interesting developments. Based on your
comments, thought you might like to read this article:
>
> http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/13.09/fablab_pr.html
>
> Though Dr. Gershenfeld might think in two decades people can could
have personal fabricators at home, I'd suspect that the spare parts
(milling machines) and maintanence cost, will keep it from being
really cheap. Still, small, custom fabrication machines would have
a definate place in orbit.
>
> "ANTIcarrot." wrote:
> > From: Matt Gallimore
> > It isn't until we really think of all that we have, that you
> > realize that not ten or twenty of fifty or one hundred factories
> > would suffice to provide us with the consumer goods we have.
>
> Depends on the kinds of factories. Advances in 3D lithography
could reduce
> the number of factories needed. I also remember reading about CNC
clothing
> machines. you might have to acccept everything made out of plastic
or
> cotton - but you could still have a lot of variety in terms of
pattern,
> finish, and details. Cutting edge research like printable circuit
boards or
> microchips might be reality by then too. And in any case it's the
future, of
> course they won't have the kind of consumer goods we have now. ;)
>
> > In my opinion the vast majority of space based isru activity will
> > be for construction materials and volatiles.
>
> At first yes, but in the long run the USSR shows what can happen
when you
> concentrate too much on heavy industry.
>
> John
>
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