Recently, Rayvatek, an innovative metal additive manufacturing technology and service company, has showcased its breakthrough solutions in aerospace materials at several high-profile events. To develop these products, Rayvatek collaborated with SLM Solutions, the leading 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 also 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, which is crucial in the aerospace sector, 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 especially useful for small batch production of complex parts, enabling cost reductions and tool-free production, significantly shortening the development cycle.
Rayvatek representatives 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 the SLM280 3D printer, Rayvatek is able to 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, thereby increasing thrust power for the launch vehicle.
Using 3D printing also 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 also fabricate hollow parts for impellers, reducing the weight and the moment of inertia of the product, thereby improving efficiency and reducing energy consumption.
The SLM280 can also 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.
CBO of Rayvatek said, “We are delighted to cooperate with SLM Solutions, a leading metal 3D printing equipment manufacturer. Combining SLM’s high-precision printing capabilities with Rayvatek’s experience and expertise in the space industry allows us to develop and produce high-quality space components and expand our offerings to a wider range of sectors, including aerospace, maritime transport, electric vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles, heavy machinery and molds, and energy.”
Subscribe to AM Chronicle Newsletter to stay connected: https://bit.ly/3fBZ1mP
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3IjhrFq
Visit for more interesting content on additive manufacturing: https://amchronicle.com
