Space
Supernova Creates Defense and Space Business Unit to Develop 3D Printing of Military-Grade Energetic Materials
Target applications for the new business unit include solid rocket motors which are critical components for the next-generation hypersonic platforms.
Angela Osborne
Managing Editor, Gardner Business Media
Will the Successes of NASA’s RAMFIRE Project Lead to an Operational Aerospike Engine?
NASA’s RAMFIRE project has additively manufactured a 36-inch diameter aerospike nozzle with complex integral coolant channels for a more efficient way to propel rockets to outer space. NASA engineers will use this as a proof of concept to inform future component designs.
Read MoreFrom Elementum 3D: Will NASA’s RAMFIRE Project Lead to an Operational Aerospike Engine?
This chronicle from Elementum 3D describes the success of NASA’s RAMFIRE project which additively manufactured a 36-inch diameter aerospike nozzle with complex integral coolant channels for a more efficient way to propel rockets to outer space. Engineers plan to use this as a proof of concept for future component designs as NASA reimagines rocket engine technology.
Read MoreStoke Space Uses Solukon Technology for Depowdering of Rocket Parts
Stoke’s first- and second-stage engine thrust chambers are additively designed and manufactured in-house with regenerative cooling channels and built-in manifolds, which have features and internal cavities that are typically difficult to depowder.
Read More3D Printed NASA Thrust Chamber Assembly Combines Two Metal Processes: The Cool Parts Show #71
Laser powder bed fusion and directed energy deposition combine for an integrated multimetal rocket propulsion system that will save cost and time for NASA. The Cool Parts Show visits NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center.
Read MoreCryogenic Tanks for Space Refueling: The Cool Parts Show All Access
NASA's Paul Gradl describes an important application of AM beyond the spacecraft itself: refueling the spacecraft. Directed energy deposition offers the most practical way to produce aluminum tanks to keep fuel supercool.
Read MoreSidus Space Successfully Launches LizzieSat Hybrid 3D-Printed Satellite
The hybrid 3D-printed satellite was manufactured using Markforged 3D printers for parts that would be incredibly lightweight, durable and custom to the structure to ensure the satellite remains intact during launch and works properly for its full life span in space.
Read More
Sciaky Manufactures Critical EBAM Component for Intuitive Machines’ Moon Landing
The Sciaky engine component was the upper section of the IM-1 lander’s main engine nozzle, which provided the main source of thrust for descent in the February 2024 mission to the Moon.
Angela Osborne
Managing Editor, Gardner Business Media
3D Printed Lattice for Mars Sample Return Crash Landing: The Cool Parts Show Bonus
NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory employs laser powder bed fusion additive manufacturing plus chemical etching to create strong, lightweight lattice structures optimized to protect rock samples from Mars during their violent arrival on earth.
Read MoreZenith Tecnica Manufactures 3D Printed Hardware for NASA Psyche Mission
The node components designed by Maxar Space Systems were well suited to the advantages of EBM AM due to their complex geometries.
Read More8 Cool Parts From Formnext 2023: The Cool Parts Show #65
New additive manufacturing technologies on display at Formnext were in many cases producing notable end-use components. Here are some of the coolest parts we found at this year’s show.
Read MoreAvio Utilizes Velo3D Metal Printers for Developing Propulsion Systems
The Italian space propulsion innovator is installing the printers in its Colleferro, Italy, headquarters to produce mission-critical parts for its family of rocket engines.
Read More3D Systems Verifies Performance of NASA’s GRX-810 Super Alloy
This oxide dispersion-strengthened alloy, developed by NASA, demonstrates exceptional mechanical properties and resistance to extreme temperatures, making it well suited for future use in critical components such as rocket engines, turbine blades and exhaust nozzle components.
Read More6K Additive, Agile Space Industries Partner to Advance Moon Mission
6K Additive’s Nickel 625 powder is being qualified for use in Agile’s A2200 engine to leverage additive manufacturing for engine lightweighting while also delivering tremendous power.
Read More
Additive Manufacturing at NASA (Part 2): AM Radio #52
In this follow-up podcast episode on additive manufacturing at NASA, Dr. Tim Simpson joins us to discuss how the organization thinks about AM overall, and its role in advancing additive alongside and in service of commercial industry.
Stephanie Hendrixson
Executive Editor, Additive Manufacturing
Meltio Software Simplifies Wire-Laser Metal 3D Printing Technology
Meltio Space robot slicer employs a virtual model of the real robot movement.
Read MoreAdditive Manufacturing in Space: Failing Upward
Not all 3D printed parts destined for space need to adhere to the standards of human space flight. Yet all parts made for space programs require some type of qualification and certification. NASA and The Barnes Global Advisors explore Q&C for these parts.
Read MoreCollins Aerospace Opens Additive Manufacturing Center Expansion in Iowa
The expansion gives the company space to house several new state-of-the-art 3D metal printers and significantly increase the center’s AM capabilities.
Read More3D Printed "Evolved Structures" for NASA Exoplanet Balloon Mission: The Cool Parts Show #61
Generative design creates stiff, lightweight brackets for EXCITE mission monitoring planets orbiting other stars. The Cool Parts Show visits Goddard Space Flight Center.
Read More“Mantis” AM System for Spacecraft Uses Induction for Deposition
The metal 3D printing system melts wire without lasers. 30-foot-diameter parts are built on a rotary-feed system that eliminates the need for a large machine frame or gantry.
Read MoreAddUp’s FormUp 350 Evolution Prints Parts Up to 1 Meter Tall
The FormUp 350 Evolution machine is designed to produce large metal parts with a high level of complexity and precision, which is an ability in high demand in the aeronautics, space, defense and energy sectors.
Read More
Additive Manufacturing at NASA (Part 1): AM Radio #51
In this first episode of a two-part special on additive manufacturing at NASA, we discuss three specific 3D printed parts for upcoming missions and share observations about the organization’s approach to AM.
Stephanie Hendrixson
Executive Editor, Additive Manufacturing
8 Transformations 3D Printing Is Making Possible
Additive manufacturing changes every space it touches; progress can be tracked by looking for moments of transformation. Here are 8 places where 3D printing is enabling transformative change.
Read MoreReusable LOX/Kerosene Engine Completes First Successful Full-System Test Flight
Galactic Energy Space Technology announced the first successful full-system test flight of its Welkin 50-ton reusable LOX/kerosene engine. To date, this is the highest thrust LOX/kerosene engine in the Chinese commercial aerospace playing field which has officially entered the engineering and manufacturing phase.
Read MoreFabrisonic Moves to Larger Central Ohio Facility
The new 30,000-square-foot facility offers additional space to expand the company’s parts production.
Read MoreSintavia Develops Niobium Printing Technology for Aerospace, Defense
C103 material parameter specification is said to enable full alloy adoption across defense and space applications.
Read MoreArtemis I Has Launched: 3D Printing Applications for This Space Mission and Beyond: AM Radio #25B
On this episode of AM Radio, we discuss how additive manufacturing is enabling a new era of space exploration.
Read More3 Points About 3D Printing Large Parts We Can Learn From the Lunar Habitat (Video)
Ingersoll Machine Tools describes the capabilities and promise of large-scale additive manufacturing as seen in the 3D printed sections of the Rosenberg Space Habitat.
Read More