Rocket company to 3-D print rocket fuel

[Igotnothing]

Since the news is about a full-scale commercial rocket company, I am going to risk posting the link here instead of in the Research or Propulsion forums. Moderators can ban me if deemed inappropriate. I'll go quietly.

Anyways, it was just a matter of time before someone said the heck with trying to pull mandrels or drilling cores.

https://3dprintingindustry.com/news/patent-granted-rocket-crafters-3d-printed-rocket-fuel-102775/

 

[dhbarr]

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.

 

[Nytrunner]

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.

 

[ttabbal]

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.

 

[dr wogz]

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!

 

[jadebox]

Off topic ... but ... speaking of patents ....

I was searching for something today and ran across the following patent for a lawn tractor shipping crate. Check out the last couple of images:

https://www.google.com/patents/US20090120906

-- Roger

 

[Marc_G]

I guess his business is selling propane and propane accessories.

 

[KenRico]

I guess his business is selling propane and propane accessories.

Hahaha

Kenny

 

[cerving]

Off topic ... but ... speaking of patents ....

I was searching for something today and ran across the following patent for a lawn tractor shipping crate. Check out the last couple of images:

https://www.google.com/patents/US20090120906

-- Roger

His citations only go back to 1990? They should be about 1890...