3D printing tackles titanium to create rocket parts
7 days ago
- #space technology
- #titanium alloy
- #3D printing
- A large titanium fuel tank made via 3D printing passed a critical durability test, withstanding extreme temperatures (-196°C) and pressure (330 bar).
- The 640mm diameter vessel, made from Ti64 titanium alloy, was developed through a joint project involving KITECH, KARI, KP Aviation Industries, AM Solutions, and Hanyang University.
- This innovation addresses limitations of conventional forging, enabling faster, customized production of space components and strengthening domestic supply chains.
- Traditional forging struggles with custom part demands and long lead times (6 months to a year), often relying on imports from Ukraine.
- The team used Directed Energy Deposition (DED) 3D printing, reducing production time to a few weeks and overcoming industry skepticism about 3D-printed high-risk components.
- The prototype passed a cryogenic pressure test at KARI, proving its reliability for space environments, with further tests planned for practical application.