Our Sites

SME, 3-D technology companies 3-D scan Orion crew module and model to print replicas

SME has worked with several 3-D technology companies to take the first 3-D scan of the Orion crew module for 3-D printing into small-scale replicas.

"Additive manufacturing and 3-D printing technologies are widely used to produce aerospace and other high-performance products," said Carl Dekker, president of Met-L-Flo. "It is exciting that we are using 3-D scanning and additive manufacturing to reproduce 3-D models of the Orion—a spacecraft which may carry these technologies to other planets."

Faro Technologies conducted a 3-D laser scan of an Orion spacecraft model, while Direct Dimensions will be responsible for the file that is prepared and then 3-D printed by Met-L-Flo. Met-L-Flo will print approximately 150 small-scale replicas of the Orion spacecraft to be displayed and used as giveaways at SME's Rapid Conference & Exposition 2016.

Students from Florida Tech participated in the scan and discussed how the next generation of manufacturing professionals are being educated on advanced manufacturing technology and applications. Additionally, Cincinnati Incorporated will be using its Big Area Additive Manufacturing (BAAM) technology to print an Orion replica in several large pieces and assemble it on-site at the conference.