From: George Sachs (sachsg@sbcglobal.net)
Date: Fri Aug 24 2007 - 21:47:47 EEST
I don't know how many on the list were aware of the details behind the recent Shuttle tile problems, so some of you might be interested in this, if you haven't already heard about it.
Sent: Monday, August 13, 2007 2:10:46 PM
Subject: [rp-ml] Important application of RP & RM - happening right now
I was listening to the live feed from NASA yesterday and learned that they will be using the point cloud data that they got from scanning the
damage to the Shuttle's tiles to exactly re-create the damage back on earth.
They will also use 3D printing to help in this process (they said stereolithography, but it could also be some other methods.). I guess this is as good
an example of "3D faxing" as they come. The replicated tile damage (probably made by machining real tiles or maybe casting) will be analyzed with software and
the duplicated damaged tiles will also be put into a plasma jet stream to see how dangerous the situation is and what fixes (if any) might or might
not work. They hope to make results of these tests along with their decision about what to do made available later today or tomorrow. It sounds
like they are doing a tremendous job "working the problem" and I have lots of confidence they will find the right solution with some help from RP.
G. Sachs
Paradyme Systems
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