Context:
- India’s first 3D printed post office is now open for business in Bengaluru.
- 3D printing technology was adopted as it saves cost by 30-40% when compared with conventional construction methods.
- While taking less time, the technology also offers more flexibility to the shape of the building.
- Chennai-based Agnikul Cosmos begins integration of its first satellite rocket with launchpad
- Launch vehicle is driven by Agnikul’s patented Agnilet engine – an entirely 3D-printed semi-cryogenic engine.
About 3D Printing:
- 3D printing or additive manufacturing is a process of making three dimensional solid objects from a digital file – the construction of a three-dimensional object from a Computer Aided Design model or a digital 3D model.
- 3D printing is the opposite of subtractive manufacturing which is cutting out / hollowing out a piece of metal or plastic.
- Advantages:
- Enables us to produce complex shapes using less material than traditional manufacturing methods.
- Less environmental impact – wasting less material and energy
- Saves cost and time compared to traditional method in many cases.
- Examples – 3D printing is being used in almost all industries you could think of.
- consumer products (eyewear, footwear, design, furniture)
- industrial products (manufacturing tools, prototypes, functional end-use parts)
- dental products
- prosthetics
- architectural scale models & maquettes
- reconstructing fossils
- replicating ancient artefacts
- reconstructing evidence in forensic pathology
- a method of implanting stem cells capable of generating new tissues and organs in living humans
About Agnikul Cosmos:
- IIT-Madras based space tech startup
- Aims to develop and launch its own small-lift launch vehicle
About Agnibaan:
- A highly customizable 2 stage launch vehicle developed by Agnikul Cosmos.
- Capable of taking upto 100 kg to orbits around 700 km high
- Completely mobile – designed for accessing more than 10 launchports.
- Driven by LOX/Kerosene Liquid Oxygen/Kerosene) engines in all its stages
- Agnibaan is configurable by the customer.
- Agnibaan doesn’t fly with the same number of engines all the time. The mission, the satellite and the launchport itself would decide how many engines go on the first stage.
About Agnilet:
- A semi-cryogenic 3D printed engine developed by Agnikul Cosmos
- material of construction is INCONEL-718
Source: The Hindu – 1, 2
Previous year question
“3D printing” has applications in which of the following?
1. Preparation of confectionery items
2. Manufacture of bionic ears
3. Automotive industry
4. Reconstructive surgeries
5. Data processing technologies
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2018 Prelims]
(a) 1, 3 and 4 only
(b) 2, 3 and 5 only
(c) 1 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5