The sea of stars is fascinating. Since ancient times, mankind has never stopped exploring the Unknown Universe.
At 18:00 on May 5, 2020, the long march 5b, carrying a new generation of manned spacecraft test ship and a flexible inflatable cargo return module test module, was launched from the Wenchang space launch site. China's manned spacecraft test took a big step forward. It is reported that the new generation manned spacecraft test ship is equipped with a "composite space 3D printing system" independently developed by China. This is the first space 3D printing experiment in China and the first 3D printing experiment of continuous fiber reinforced composite materials in space in the world.
During the flight, the "composite space 3D printing system" system independently completed the printing of continuous fiber-reinforced composite samples, and verified the scientific experimental objective of composite 3D printing in microgravity environment. After the news came out, scientists at home and abroad paid close attention to it. China's first accomplishment of 3D printing in space reflects that China has made many breakthroughs in 3D printing technology research and scientific experiments.
As we all know, the presentation of 3D printing products can not be separated from 3D printing technology, system and 3D printing materials. In fact, with the continuous expansion of the application field of 3D printing technology and the increasing variety of 3D materials, the global 3D printing material industry has developed rapidly. In 2018, the global market scale of 3D printing materials industry reached US $3.227 billion, with a year-on-year increase of 20%.
Generally speaking, the types of 3D printing materials can be classified from different aspects. According to chemical properties, 3D printing materials can be divided into composite materials, metal materials, ceramic materials and polymer materials; According to the physical state, 3D printing materials can be divided into filament materials, liquid materials, powder materials and sheet materials. According to the types of 3D printing materials in China, titanium alloy, PLA and nylon account for a relatively high proportion, followed by aluminum alloy, stainless steel, and resin and other materials account for a relatively low proportion.
Among a variety of composites, continuous fiber reinforced thermoplastic composites have a huge market demand. It is understood that continuous fiber reinforced thermoplastic composites are mainly made of thermoplastic resins and fiber reinforced materials. Generally, peek, PP, PE, pet, and PS can be selected as the resin matrix, and carbon fiber, glass fiber, and aramid fiber are preferably used as the fiber reinforcing agent.
Some analysts believe that during 2016-2121, the continuous fiber reinforced thermoplastic composite market will maintain rapid growth, with a compound growth rate of 4.38%. As a very important 3D printing material, continuous fiber reinforced composite has a huge potential application space in 3D printing automobile, aviation, electronic products and other fields.
As a new composite material, carbon fiber occupies an irreplaceable position in the 3D printing material system. Because of its high strength, high temperature resistance, corrosion resistance and other characteristics, carbon fiber has gradually become the new favorite of scientific research in recent years. The introduction of carbon fiber improves the rigidity and strength of the printed parts to a certain extent, and the crystallinity is more uniform, which enables it to better meet the needs of intelligent manufacturing of 3D printing products.
At present, many researchers in the scientific community have obtained scientific research results of new 3D composite printing materials by adding carbon fibers. For example, the research team of the center for space application engineering and technology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences successfully conducted a systematic research on the 3D printing process of the independently developed carbon fiber PEEK composite.
It can be predicted that with the continuous acceleration of the commercial pace of 3D printing, the market demand for 3D printing materials and equipment will grow rapidly. Based on the significant advantages and huge application potential of 3D printing technology, the upstream and downstream industries of 3D printing will enter an accelerated development period, and the emergence of new materials, new technologies and new application formats will also reshape the entire 3D printing market pattern.
Just like mountaineering, you can overcome all difficulties and dangers with a firm will and a steady pace, climb to the summit and enjoy the magnificent scenery. On the way to the scientific peak of 3D printing, scientists of all countries need to maintain endurance and determination. After arduous exploration and attempt, we believe that more breakthrough and typical 3D printing achievements will be presented to the world.