Additive manufacturing applications in astronomy: a review

TL;DR

This review explores the current state, benefits, challenges, and case studies of additive manufacturing in astronomy hardware, aiming to promote its wider adoption in the field.

Contribution

First comprehensive review of additive manufacturing applications in astronomy hardware, detailing current use cases, challenges, and future prospects.

Findings

AM is underutilized in astronomy hardware.

Case studies include mirrors, optomechanical structures, and tooling.

Challenges include material limitations and risk aversion.

Abstract

Despite the established role of additive manufacturing (AM) in aerospace and medical fields, its adoption in astronomy remains low. Encouraging AM integration in a risk-averse community necessitates documentation and dissemination of previous case studies. The objective of this study is to create the first review of AM in astronomy hardware, answering: where is AM currently being used in astronomy, what is the status of its adoption, and what challenges are preventing its widespread use? The review starts with an introduction to astronomical instruments size/cost challenges, alongside the role of manufacturing innovation. This is followed by highlighting the benefits/challenges of AM and used materials/processes in both space-based and ground-based applications. The review case studies include mirrors, optomechanical structures, compliant mechanisms, brackets and tooling applications that are either in research phase or are implemented.