Boeing and Titomic collaborate on sustainable titanium 3D printing for space

January 7, 2022aviationaerospaceManufacturer Boeing hasTitomic KineticFusion (TKF)3D printingThe Melbourne company behind the craft, Titomic, has teamed up to further advance additive manufacturing in the space sector.The two companies will jointly advance the development of sustainable titanium powders in space system components3D printingapplications in . Titomic was recently awarded a $2.325 million Modern Manufacturing Program grant from the Australian government, which will use local titanium resources to research and commercialize components for space vehicles and satellites.

Paul Watson, Director of Aerospace Engineering and Production at Boeing Defence Australia, explained: “Under the agreement, Boeing will provide design and engineering expertise to enable Titomic to demonstrate its cutting-edge kinetic fusion additive manufacturing technology in the production of space components, This technology was originally used in the manufacture of JP9102.”

△ A 9x 3 x 1.5m Titomic Kinetic Fusion 3D printer. Photo via Titomic.

Titomic Kinetic Fusion

Titomic’s TKF process is a form of cold spray additive manufacturing.This method involves placing smallmineral powderSpray onto the solid substrate underneath, just as you would spray paint onto a graffiti wall. The substrate can be a build platform or an existing metal part.The technology is named cold spray because it does not rely on lasers or any other source of thermal energy, but instead uses kinetic energy. The metal powder is ejected through a high-speed compressed air stream, giving the material enough energy to deform and bond with the solid part below to form an additional layer. In particular, Titomic’s proprietary TKF technology is characterized by its high-pressure nature. This qualifies the process for high-performance applications in industries such as aerospace and defense, where the company is an established operator and a registered research organization.

Just last year, Titomic signed a partnership agreement with machine tool manufacturer Repkon to jointly build a new defense-focused 3D printing production facility in Australia. The factory will use the company’s additive manufacturing technology to manufacture Repkon-designed weapon barrel systems.
More recently, the company also expanded its European presence by acquiring rival Dutch-based cold spray technology company Dycomet Europe.In addition to providing a new base in Europe, the deal provides Titomic with a direct
income
source, as Dycomet Europe brings a healthy pipeline of customer orders across the continent.

△ The 5.5-meter 3D printed rocket previously made by Titomic. Image credit: TiaVialva.

Sustainable titanium 3D printing for space

Titanium is defined by its high strength-to-weight ratio and excellent corrosion resistance, making it one of the most commonly used materials in aerospace. In the military, aircraft such as the F-22 and UH-60 Black Hawk rely on large amounts of titanium, while the space sector is using more and more of the metal for rocket engines, pressure vessels and structural components.

△The application of titanium alloy in rocket engine

Titanium is readily available in Australia and is considered more environmentally sustainable than other similar alternatives, according to Boeing and Titomic. The use of this metal also helps to achieve substantial time and cost savings by eliminating the need for bulk virgin mineral processing.

Watson added: “This collaboration will demonstrate that additive manufacturing techniques using sustainable titanium, or large-scale3D printing technology, which can produce highly elastic, lightweight components that have a wide range of applications throughout the space. “

The collaboration is also expected to make Titomic a leading supplier in space manufacturing in Australia. Titomic’s chief executive Herbert Koeck believes the two companies will be able to “redefine the production process for space vehicles and components”, ultimately boosting Australia’s global competitiveness in additively manufactured aerospace components.

(responsible editor: admin)

Boeing and Titomic collaborate on sustainable titanium 3D printing for space

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