CPC B29C 64/118 (2017.08) [B29C 64/209 (2017.08); B64G 6/00 (2013.01); B29K 2029/00 (2013.01); B29K 2031/04 (2013.01); B29K 2055/02 (2013.01); B29K 2067/046 (2013.01); B29K 2075/00 (2013.01); B29L 2031/768 (2013.01); B33Y 30/00 (2014.12); B33Y 70/00 (2014.12)] | 13 Claims |
1. A method of manufacturing a space suit component, the method comprising:
printing a first component of the space suit by extruding additive polymers using a three-dimensional printer, the three-dimensional printer including a robotic arm with an extruder head, the extruder head having a coupled heating element, and an adjustable printing bed maneuverable in multiple axes, wherein the printing the first component comprises:
maneuvering the adjustable printing bed in an x-axis, a y-axis and/or a z-axis;
providing a first layer of a porous fabric;
feeding, via a feeding mechanism, the additive polymers comprising a thermoplastic filament into the extruder head;
heating, via the heating element, the thermoplastic filament thereby creating a malleable material;
depositing by the printing extruder head of the three-dimensional printer, the malleable material forming a first layer of the additive polymers onto the first layer of the porous fabric;
adding a second layer of porous fabric onto the first layer of the additive polymers deposited onto the first layer of porous fabric;
depositing by the printing extruder head, a second layer of additive polymers, heated by the heating element of the extruder head, onto the second layer of the porous fabric; and
applying Polyvinyl alcohol to portions of the extruded additive polymers, the Polyvinyl alcohol providing structural support of the portions during printing of the space suit component; and
integrally forming with the first component, a non-rigid second component comprising a thermoplastic, wherein the first layer provides a gas retention layer of the first component, and wherein the first component is flat and flexible.
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