About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
2026 TMS Annual Meeting & Exhibition
|
| Symposium
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Advancing the Frontier of Powder Materials Processing and Sintering: A MPMD/EPD Symposium in Honor of Eugene Olevsky
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| Presentation Title |
Optimized 3D Printing of Martian Regolith for In-Situ Extraterrestrial Manufacturing |
| Author(s) |
Zackary Skinner, Thomas Grippi, Elisa Torresani, Eugene Olevsky |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Zackary Skinner |
| Abstract Scope |
In-situ manufacturing will be essential for future Mars missions due to the high cost of transporting materials from Earth. This study explores the direct use of Martian regolith as a feedstock for selective laser melting (SLM), eliminating the need for additives. A major challenge, fabricating components with large cross-sectional areas, was addressed by modifying printing parameters based on build geometry. Microstructure analysis, including scanning electron microscopy, guided the optimization of processing conditions. The refined parameters enabled the production of printed parts with reduced geometric distortion and enhanced structural integrity. Furthermore, the optimized regime was successfully applied to fabricate complex-shaped components, demonstrating the feasibility of using SLM for functional part production on Mars. These findings highlight the potential of regolith-based 3D printing as a key technology for sustainable extraterrestrial exploration and long-term habitation. |
| Proceedings Inclusion? |
Planned: |
| Keywords |
Additive Manufacturing, Ceramics, Powder Materials |