Future rockets will be produced with 3D printing technology

Rocket Lab has revolutionized the rocket manufacturing industry with its advanced Automatic Fiber Placement (AFP) machine. This device, designed for the Neutron rocket, is the largest rocket made of carbon composite in the world. Weighing 90 tons, the AFP is capable of 3D printing layers of carbon fiber at an astonishing 328 feet per minute. This impressive speed significantly reduces production time and saves more than 150,000 man-hours.

According to Tekna Technology Media Astronomy News Service, this advanced technology allows AFP to produce complex structures with unparalleled precision and to perform processes that previously took engineers weeks in a much shorter period of time. AFP is equipped with an internal inspection system that automatically detects possible defects in the carbon composite material during the printing process, thus ensuring high quality standards. If any defect is detected, the system alerts the operator and allows for quick correction to maintain the integrity of the final product.

Relying on AFP to fully automate the production of large composite parts of the Neutron rocket, this innovation has not only significantly increased production efficiency, but also opened new horizons in space travel. Advanced 3D printing technology has provided unique opportunities for the development and progress of the space industry.
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