Orbex commissioned Additive Manufacturing Customized Machines (AMCM) to build the largest industrial 3D printer in Europe, allowing the innovative UK-based space launch company to rapidly print complex rocket engines inhouse. The custom-made, large-volume 3D printer will allow Orbex to print more than 35 large-scale rocket engines and main stage turbopump systems annually as the company scales up its production capabilities for launches.
The multi-million pound deal was signed with AMCM following a series of successful trials printing various large-scale rocket components over a number of months. AMCM will deliver a complete printing suite with post-processing machinery and ‘Machine Vision’ systems, providing automatic imaging-based inspection of printed components. To accommodate the new machinery, Orbex is expanding its factory floor space by an additional 1,000m².
The 3D-printing system will print rocket parts using a custom blend of metals including...