The Chinese Academy of Sciences has developed a 3D printer capable of operating in space in conditions of microgravity, state run agency Xinhua says.
The device, built by experts from the Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology and Technology and the Engineering Center for Space Utilisation, after two years of work, will be able to print parts for spacecrafts.
US space agency NASA, has also developed a 3D printer, which was sent to the International Space Station last month, but Chinese researchers claim the one they have developed will be able to produce larger parts.
Duan Xianming, head of the research group, said the new printer will help China's space program to build a space station by 2020, and assist in repair and maintenance works in the future.
