RUAG and Oerlikon Partner for 3D Printing of Components for Space
The companies will develop processes and standards for the additive manufacturing of metal space components, and explore the refinement of existing alloys.
Share
Technology and engineering group Oerlikon has signed a memorandum of understanding with RUAG Space, a division of the RUAG group, to qualify and accelerate series production of 3D-printed space components.
Within this cooperation, both companies intend to co-develop processes and standards for the metal-based additive manufacturing of space components, the intention being to establish standards suitable for the European space community to adopt. The partnership also will explore the refinement of existing alloys for the additive manufacturing process and the development of new metallic materials to unlock future design opportunities.
“We see this partnership as an important step in unleashing the full value of additive manufacturing in the development of new products that meet the rapidly evolving demands of the space industry,” says Peter Guggenbach, CEO, RUAG Space. “We are working on standardizing additive manufacturing operations for space and are excited to collaborate with Oerlikon AM to further develop industry-leading standards and processes.”
Oerlikon and RUAG Space are already working together on the qualification of a bracket that would be installed on a payload fairing. A new optimized design made possible through additive manufacturing will reduce costs by 25 percent and decrease weight by more than 50 percent, while doubling the stiffness of the bracket, the companies say.
“Through our ongoing collaboration with RUAG Space, we have identified opportunities to fine-tune the qualification and certification processes, which are crucial in ensuring consistent quality in production,” says Dr. Roland Fischer, CEO, Oerlikon Group. “We are confident, that our materials and additive manufacturing expertise will further grow this important partnership.”
Related Content
-
This Drone Bird with 3D Printed Parts Mimics a Peregrine Falcon: The Cool Parts Show #66
The Drone Bird Company has developed aircraft that mimic birds of prey to scare off problem birds. The drones feature 3D printed fuselages made by Parts on Demand from ALM materials.
-
Aircraft Ducts 3D Printed in Composite Instead of Metal: The Cool Parts Show #68
Eaton’s new reinforced PEKK, tailored to aircraft applications, provides a cheaper and faster way to make ducts compared to formed aluminum.
-
Why AM Leads to Internal Production for Collins Aerospace (Includes Video)
A new Charlotte-area center will provide additive manufacturing expertise and production capacity for Collins business units based across the country, allowing the company to guard proprietary design and process details that are often part of AM.