Here is another big idea. Based on the same principles of building the space elevator.

If say, using the space escalator, interlocking cubes holding the crucibles, the 'molds' are sent off to orbit.

And from there they are put together.

To create what?

Space structures.

Or

Space Ships.

Heat up the crucibles from an energy source, possibly a nuclear powered space station,

or solar powered.

 

This eliminates need for welding. The frame becomes ready complete once it is done. Just remove the shells when done to reveal the solidified metal.

 

And from there all kinds of attachments can be added.

Thrusters, navigation systems, life support system, etc.

 

And zero-gravity here doesn't matter either. Melted metal stays within the frame until done.

The caveat maybe that unlike Earth, where you can simply see the holes are filling up the lquid metal and add more metal balls as necessary,

The process will be different.

Meaning, it may need to be cooled off, solidified, and the vacant areas that needs volume must be inserted metal balls (tinier than Earth's so to fit in precisely, not wasting space within) and they would need to directed well.

Meaning... a vacuum system could be used per x distance of the interlocking cubes, to better befit fill the volme of the crucibles...

Or preloaded with metalballs from earth. Rather, more like metal filaments/powder in order to neutralize any vacant volume. Still, there will be,

So probably a vacuum system per cube could be optimal...

 

 

Yes, metal powder. And vacuumn system to add into the crucibles.

Post-processing may be required, leveling out protruding areas, as the crucibles need to open up from the sides, to suck in the metal powder, then closed, so some leveling issues... or if there is a sliding door that opens up the crucible, less differences... but it would be the fast.

 

Vacuumn can be attached from the exterior of the cubes where openings are premade,
and on the opposite end, metal powder will be sucked in to be placed, and then closed.

So repeat the process just once more after the first, or twice,

and any vacant volume will be filled out...