Rocket company to 3-D print rocket fuel

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Igotnothing

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I'm surprised at this patent, honestly. I've read several research papers from universities and space agencies from the last 5ish years doing exactly this.
 
Before reading the story I was pretty concerned about printing-voids and unexpected surface area that could lead to overpressure.
...Then I saw it was a hybrid, so that makes me feel better.

This is interesting. 3D printing could definitely allow for more complex oxidizer channels than by conventional coring. This may be a necessary step towards bringing hybrids into a more commercially applicable condition.
 
As usual, another ridiculous patent covering things people have been doing for a long time now. 3D printing hybrid fuel grains is mind-numbingly obvious to anyone familiar with both technologies. Rocket uses plastic for fuel, let's make weird geometry with 3D printers.
 
I seen / heard of some companies grabbing ideas, applying for the patent, then pulling the rug out from under the original guy / producer..

The cost of applying for a patent though, can be extremely prohibitive for some, if not most!
 
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