> I think the idea is to 3D print parts that are currently welded together. I don't see anywhere that they are planning to print as one piece anything that is ever disassembled with current practices.
I would agree that 3d printing smaller parts and putting them together by hand seems more reasonable, but I don't get the impression that is what they're doing (but it's hard to tell from the article).
This is what led me to that conclusion:
"Ellis and Noone say a handful of the arms can work together to create the rocket’s entire body as a single piece, guided by custom software that monitors their speed and the metal’s integrity."
Entire body - single piece. I don't hear any talk of welding or putting it together (which would involve multiple pieces).
Also just as a point of reference, making the bodies or the fuel tank is actually the easier part. It's either metal or carbon fiber. What takes a long time is assembling complex engines, and getting the whole thing together (including wiring).
I would agree that 3d printing smaller parts and putting them together by hand seems more reasonable, but I don't get the impression that is what they're doing (but it's hard to tell from the article).
This is what led me to that conclusion: "Ellis and Noone say a handful of the arms can work together to create the rocket’s entire body as a single piece, guided by custom software that monitors their speed and the metal’s integrity."
Entire body - single piece. I don't hear any talk of welding or putting it together (which would involve multiple pieces).
Also just as a point of reference, making the bodies or the fuel tank is actually the easier part. It's either metal or carbon fiber. What takes a long time is assembling complex engines, and getting the whole thing together (including wiring).