Why is it in the news?

• The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has achieved a significant milestone by successfully conducting hot testing of a 3D printed liquid rocket engine.

More about the news

• The engine, known as the PS4 engine, constitutes the fourth stage of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV).
• The engine was developed by the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) of ISRO, leveraging Additive Manufacturing (AM) technology, commonly referred to as 3D printing.

 Additive Manufacturing (AM) / 3D Printing

About:

• Additive Manufacturing is a process of creating three-dimensional objects from a digital model by sequentially adding material layer by layer.
• This contrasts with traditional subtractive manufacturing, where material is removed from a solid block to form the desired object.

Materials Used in AM:

• Thermoplastics
• Metals and metal alloys
• Ceramics
• Biomaterials such as bioinks

Key Applications of AM Technology:

• Healthcare: Custom implants; Tumor models; and Surgical instruments.
• Aerospace and Defence: Airframe components; Landing gears; and Drones.
• Electronics: Wearable devices; Robots; and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) devices.
• Others: Construction; Consumer goods (clothing, furniture); and Automotive parts.

Advantages of AM Technology:

• Reduced need for large stockpiles of parts.
• Faster manufacturing process compared to traditional methods.
• Ability to create intricate and bespoke designs.
• Efficient use of materials, reducing waste.
• Ability to create objects with varying material properties.

Challenges of AM Technology

• Substantial upfront cost for equipment.
• Relatively slow compared to traditional methods.
• Issues with consistency and reliability of printed parts.
• Lack of comprehensive international standards.

Other Challenges:

• Need for skilled professionals in AM technology.
• Limited options for printable materials.
• Difficulties in integrating AM designs with existing systems.