Stratasys (www.stratasys.com) says that the German Aerospace Centre is using its FDM 3-D printing technology to make a working prototype of the TransRoPorter (TRP).

Built at the Institute for Robotics and Mechatronics, this is an exploration robot designed for unmanned flights to Mars and set to be launched in four to five years. To successfully explore Mars with a robot, design and functionality are key factors.

Using a Fortus 900mc, the research team 3-D-printed a working prototype, significantly reducing production times compared with traditional methods.

“This is enabling the team to test the design and capabilities of the robot under simulated extreme conditions.

Kaj Fuehrer, head of system building technology, said: “A prototype made out of metal would be too expensive for us and too complex to produce.

“It became evident that using 3-D printing to make the TransRoPorter was truly the least expensive, fastest and mostelegant solution.”

The research team is 3-D printing large parts in FDM thermoplastic materials. According to Dr Fuehrer, the ASA material was well suited to testing the TransRoPorter prototype, enabling the team to produce a strong enough box to safely contain all the required technology.

He said: “It was extremely important that the fit was right, that the box could be mounted to the tracks and that the docking port worked. Using Stratasys FDM 3-D printing technology, we found that the material did not distort.”