Oleg Artemyev presented the space blade to Tomsk Oblast Governor Vladimir Mazur during their meeting at the VDNKh in Moscow. Upon his return to Tomsk, the Governor presented the leaves to Tomsk Technical University.
These blades are the standard for studying the strength and other properties of composite products made by 3D printers, and then using them for scientific research along with new materials.
Alexander Vorozhtsov, TSU's Vice Rector for Research and Innovation, said: "The new transformation of the ISS crew prints out more than just samples, which were previously given to experiment participants and will now be studied for their physical and mechanical properties. We will use special equipment to test the strength of the flakes by tearing them apart and monitoring under what loads this happens."
In addition, the scientists will compare the blades printed in space with those printed on Earth. Experts believe that the quality of space samples will be higher because the 3D-printed material is more evenly distributed in the absence of gravity.
The researchers believe that the quality of 3D printed samples in space will be higher because in the absence of gravity, the 3D printed material is more evenly distributed
Russia's progress in space technology
Scientists from RSC Energia, TSU and TPU jointly participated in the creation of Russia's first space 3D printer, designed to manufacture parts and tools on the International Space Station. This work is part of the development of the scientific, technical and educational potential of universities and academic institutions in the Tomsk region to solve the problems of the long-term program of the International Space Station.
The 3D printer was transported to the International Space Station in June 2022 for experiments. In early autumn, the first Russian cosmonauts tested it on the space station, successfully printing 19 different samples, including the logo of Tomsk State University.
The 3D printing experiment aims to develop polymer material products using spatial 3D technology. In the future, these technologies will enable astronauts on low-Earth orbit stations to manufacture necessary components and tools directly in space, without waiting for them to arrive from Earth.
In February 2023, Oleg Artemyev visited TSU and various departments of the university. After the visit, Artemyev proposed that TSU materials scientists build equipment to help produce strong refractory materials on the ISS for the repair and restoration work that is sometimes performed on the ISS. Tomsk State researchers have accepted the proposal and, if necessary, scientists from the technical Institute of the University will be involved.