Introduction: Additive manufacturing in the space field is getting more and more attention from researchers.3D printingManufactured parts and equipment are used in space programs.Further, if the additive manufacturing technology is applied to the production line of the satellite, can the production line of the satellite be
car
, Is the production line of the aircraft as convenient and fast? Boeing has the answer!
A rendering of the expected appearance of the WGS-11+ satellite. Image via Boeing.
March 2022,
aviation
aerospace
Manufacturer Boeing has unveiled new high-performance small satellite production and test equipment in anticipation of passing
Additive Manufacturing
Speed up cycle time.
The 1 million-square-foot production and test facility is located in the world’s largest satellite factory in El Segundo, with manufacturing technology provided by Boeing subsidiary Millennium Space Systems.To speed up delivery times for small satellites, the device will3D printingThe manufacturing technology is used in satellite manufacturing and is expected to be fully operational by the end of 2022.
“Combining Boeing’s production expertise, domain knowledge and manufacturing capabilities with Millenium’s rapid manufacturability and rapid prototyping, Boeing is continually expanding and evolving to meet customers’ needs,” said Jim Chilton, senior vice president, Boeing Aerospace and Launch. multiple requirements.”
3D printed space parts
●As early as 2017, Boeing announced plans to 3D print satellites, and during this period
Launched SES-15 satellite containing more than 50 3D printed components
.
●Boeing and
Titomic
Titomic, the company behind Kinetic Fusion (TKF) 3D printing process, collaborates to research
Application of sustainable titanium powder in additively manufactured parts for space systems
. Boeing will provide the design knowledge and engineering expertise to enable Titomic to successfully demonstrate its TKF process.
TKF: Cold spray process. Cold spray technology is not uncommon in manufacturing as it is often used as a way to coat or repair parts. The technology developed by Titomic, Titomic Kinetic Fusion, uses a similar process to cold spray, building up titanium parts layer by layer rather than simply coating the surface.
● Boeing began using 3D printing to increase production of broadband global satellite communications satellites for the U.S. Space Force.
Boeing has introduced additive manufacturing into the manufacturing process of satellites to significantly reduce lead times from 10 years to 5 years
.
△ SES-15 satellite with 3D printed parts. Image via Boeing.
Shorten the manufacturing cycle of satellites
In the new satellite production facility, Boeing and Millenium Space Systems will leverage advanced additive manufacturing technologies to provide customers with faster lead times. Combining model-based systems engineering, digital design engineering, and design for manufacturability, the line is capable of producing small satellites with different safety levels on the same assembly line, and will also provide environmental testing capabilities tailored specifically for small satellites.
Jason Kim, CEO of Millenium Space Systems, said: “Understanding safety protocols and how to build safety systems is critical to national space security, and this is an area where Millenium and Boeing excel. We are excited to leverage this capability to support our customers. mission critical.”
Jim Chilton said: “As our customers are increasingly demanding delivery times, we expect the production lines to build satellites to be like airplane or car production lines, using lean manufacturing principles and advanced manufacturing techniques to speed up delivery and save money. cost.”
The facility commenced initial operations in September 2021 and is expected to be fully operational by the end of 2022.
Kim added: “Millenium’s culture is ‘innovative space’ and we are bringing that culture to our manufacturing facility to rapidly build large, high-performance small satellites using a manufacturing space larger than two professional hockey rinks. “
△ Boeing’s satellite family. Image via Boeing.
Compile source:
https://3dprintingindustry.com/n…on-facility-207155/
(responsible editor: admin)
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