NASA HUNCH Selects Elementum 3D for Lunar Additive Manufacturing Project

NASA has selected Elementum 3D, a leading supplier of additive manufacturing materials, for its Lunar Additive Manufacturing project. Elementum 3D, based in Erie, Colorado, will provide its A6061-RAM2 aluminium powder for use in the NASA HUNCH (High Schools United with NASA to Create Hardware) program. This collaboration aims to engage U.S. high school students in creating real-world products for NASA’s lunar missions.

Lunar Additive Manufacturing: Creating Moon Surface Solutions

One of the primary objectives of this project is to design and test a stake that will anchor tarps to the moon’s surface. These tarps will act as pathways, thereby helping astronauts reduce the amount of dust generated when walking on the lunar surface. Additionally, this will improve the astronauts’ mobility and overall efficiency during their tasks. The stakes must be lightweight, durable, and efficiently manufactured using additive processes.

The judges evaluate the designs for these stakes based on material efficiency. Designers must use a high-strength aluminium alloy to minimize support material and ensure successful fabrication using additive manufacturing techniques. The tests will measure how well the stakes penetrate a lunar regolith simulant and their ability to remain securely embedded in the simulated moon surface.

Elementum 3D’s Role and A6061-RAM2 Alloy

Elementum 3D’s A6061-RAM2 aluminium powder is a general-purpose additive manufacturing alloy. This material is ideal for the lunar project due to its combination of strength, ductility, and thermal conductivity. The stakes will be tested for their mechanical properties, ensuring they perform well in the harsh lunar environment.

As the project enters its final stage, the HUNCH program has narrowed down the designs to six finalists from high schools across the U.S. These finalists will present their designs for further testing and evaluation.

Conclusion: Empowering Future Innovators

This partnership highlights the importance of innovation and education in advancing space exploration technologies. The NASA HUNCH program gives students the opportunity to design real-world solutions that could support future lunar missions. Elementum 3D’s involvement underscores the growing role of advanced materials in space exploration.