Daily Hot Topic
Topic : ISRO Tests 3D-Printed Rocket Engine
GS-3 Mains : Sci. & tech.
Revision Notes
Question : Examine the significance of ISRO’s successful testing of a 3D-printed rocket engine, highlighting its implications for India’s space program and the advancement of additive manufacturing technology in the aerospace industry.
ISRO’s Success:
- Successfully tested a liquid rocket engine using 3D printing technology.
Engine Details:
- PS4 engine designed for the fourth stage of PSLV.
- Uses bipropellant combination (fuel & oxidizer).
- Redesigned for 3D printing, reducing parts from 14 to 1.
- Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) technique used in 3D printing.
3D Printing Technology:
- Creates a 3D object from a digital CAD file layer by layer.
- Uses various materials like plastic, composites, or bio-materials.
- Widely used in aerospace, biomedical, and automotive industries.
Applications:
- Manufacturing complex parts, medical education, and cancer research.
- Creating artificial tissues, organs, and prosthetics.
- Printing engine parts, sport shoes, and endodontic guides.
3D Printing in Construction Industry
Benefits:
- Unprecedented design freedom.
- Reduced material waste.
- Significantly faster construction times.
- Enables creation of complex architectural forms.
- Allows customization and optimization of building components.
- Precise control over material distribution for efficient structures.
Challenges:
- Lack of understanding about 3D printing technology.
- High cost of 3D printer parts.
- Limited investment and R&D centers for 3D printing.
Future Outlook:
- 3D printing is a powerful technique in advanced manufacturing.
- Future applications include “print-it-all” structures.
- Increased user understanding will drive adoption.
- ISRO’s 3D-printed rocket engine is a significant step.
- Paves the way for advanced manufacturing in India’s space program.
Source : https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-health/flirt-new-covid-variant-kp2-9324182/
हिन्दी