Bolden to tour rapid prototyping

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. -- NASA Administrator Charles Bolden will see some of the cutting-edge techniques being used to create parts for the engines of the Space Launch System during a visit Friday to Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville. SLS is a heavy-launch rocket, the most powerful ever built. Bolden will tour the National Center for Advanced Manufacturing Rapid Prototyping Facility for a look at the equipment used in selective laser melting, similar to 3-D printing. Laser melting is enabling the production of complex, strong metal parts without welding, while reducing manufacturing time and costs. (Source: NASA, 02/21/13) Gulf Coast note: NASA's National Center for Advanced Manufacturing is at Michoud Assembly Facility, New Orleans.