Rayvatek says that it has developed breakthrough solutions in aerospace materials in collaboration with SLM Solutions, the provider of industrial metal 3D printing machines, to overcome technical constraints associated with traditional manufacturing methods and deliver high-performance products with lower cost and greater efficiency.

Aerospace was one of the earliest industries to adopt 3D printing technology and continues to be one of the fastest-growing fields for the application of 3D printing globally. It is a key focus sector for SLM Solutions as its metal 3D printing technology is ideally suited to producing materials that meet the strict requirements of aircraft engine manufacturers for metallurgical and mechanical performance, enabling efficient manufacturing processes, superior product quality, and lower production costs.

In terms of weight reduction, SLM Solutions' selective laser melting technology can be used to manufacture integral thrust chambers that combine multiple parts into a single part. 3D-printed lattice structures and internal cooling channels help to improve part quality, reduce weight and save fuel. SLM’s technology is useful for small batch production of complex parts, enabling cost reductions and tool-free production, significantly shortening the development cycle.

Rayvatek emphasize the value of SLM Solutions technology in developing high-performance products and overcoming common pain points in aerospace materials manufacturing. For example, oxidizer injectors have highly complex internal passages that cannot be produced by casting and machining. These injectors are intricately designed to fit the engine and oxidizer tank, which would require the integration of multiple components if made using traditional manufacturing methods.

3D printing technology helps to overcome other constraints associated with traditional manufacturing methods. By using SLM280 3D printer, Rayvatek can manufacture injectors of different sizes through a single manufacturing process, accelerating testing and development and ultimately enabling more efficient injection of oxidizer into the combustion chamber, increasing thrust power for the launch vehicle.

Using 3D printing means that flow distributors can be printed in one piece, rather than assembled from several pieces, which helps to achieve the goal of smooth and even distribution. The SLM280 can fabricate hollow parts for impellers, reducing the weight and the moment of inertia of the product, thereby improving efficiency, reducing energy consumption.

The SLM280 can help Rayvatek to improve quality control and follow-up testing in the production process, and greatly shorten processing time to achieve cost reduction and efficiency increase.