A young startup called Relativity is pushing space technology forward by pushing 3D printing technology to its limits, building the largest metal 3D printer in the world. And other major companies anxious to try these new ways of manufacturing, too. Science correspondent Miles O’Brien looks at some of the amazing advances that’s launching the technology into a new era. Video transcript:
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Hari Sreenivasan:
Whether it’s with plastic, metal, or even living tissue, 3D printing has been around since the 1980s. It’s been used mostly for prototyping. And, so far, it’s still cheaper to make most large-volume consumer goods like bottle caps using traditional methods.
But, as Miles O’Brien reports, recent advances could launch 3D printing into a new era.
It’s the subject of tonight’s Leading Edge story, which airs every Wednesday.
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Miles O’Brien:
Just another day in an office park near LAX. No clue to the travelers above that a whole new approach to manufacturing is under way beneath their feet.
It’s happening at a young startup called Relativity, a team of for-real rocket scientists pushing space technology by pushing 3D printing technology to its limits.
Here, they are printing rockets, nose cone to nozzle.
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