China advances in-orbit manufacturing with successful space metal 3D printing test

China has successfully completed a demonstration of metal 3D printing technology in orbit. The achievement was announced by the Chinese Academy of Sciences, highlighting progress in the development of advanced technologies for space applications, reports CGTN, a partner of TV BRICS.

The demonstration took place aboard the spacecraft, where scientists tested in-orbit metal additive manufacturing under real space conditions.

Researchers noted that space-based metal 3D printing presents distinct technical challenges compared to terrestrial processes. These include managing metal droplet behaviour in microgravity, maintaining liquid bridge stability, and controlling molten material dynamics, alongside engineering requirements such as payload optimisation, autonomous operation, and safe performance in orbit.

During the test, the onboard system operated autonomously while receiving commands from Earth. Using a laser wire-feed method, the equipment achieved stable metal melt deposition and successfully demonstrated repeated remote-controlled start-stop operations. The experiment also verified key functions such as data transmission, system compatibility, and automated workflow execution.

The new technology is expected to transform space missions by enabling on-demand manufacturing of components directly in orbit, according to the source. This approach could support maintenance of space infrastructure, production of spare parts, and future deep-space exploration. The research team plans to expand testing under more complex conditions, aiming to accelerate the transition from experimental validation to practical application.