Branch Technology Inc. has developed a 3D printing process called Freeform 3D Printing, which creates shapes with lightweight lattice structures. The company uses this technique to manufacture modular building elements such as wall panels and cladding.
In 2017, the company won Phase II of NASA's 3D-Printed Habitat Challenge. Subsequently, under a cooperative agreement with NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center, Branch Technology explored using its on-demand fabrication process to design interior items for a lunar habitat.
"NASA's parameters for the challenge led Branch to develop nozzles that extrude lattice structures in addition to traditional layers."
The company also developed a basalt fiber-reinforced plastic for the challenge, which informed its terrestrial printing materials.