NASA building Space Launch System with Laser melting 3D printing

The Marshall Space Flight Centre in Alabama is getting its science fiction groove on by using selective laser melting also known as SLM,to create the metal parts neede for heavy-lift rockets.The SLM (selective laser melting) is basically 3D printing,something that saves millions in construction costs.

The two primary benefits that come with using selective laser melting is safety and cost effectiveness.The method is being used to cretae parts needed for the U.S's upcoming flagship rocket.A variety of the created parts will be hot-fire and structurally tested using a J-2x, a space launch system upper stage engine.If all goes well and according to plan,selective laser melting will be used to manufacture various parts of the Space Launch System's first test flight slated for 2017.