Schwyz-based industrial group Oerlikon and the state-owned defence manufacturer RUAG Space have announced plans to deepen their cooperation. The two will join forces to develop standards and processes for metal-based additive manufacturing (AM or 3D printing) of space components.
The partnership will also explore how to refine existing alloys for the additive manufacturing process and develop new metallic materials. Their aim is to establish new standards suitable for the European space community and accelerate additive manufacturing series production for space components.
Oerlikon and RUAG Space have already been collaborating on a bracket that would be installed on a payload fairing. Thanks to 3D printing, costs can be reduced by 25 per cent and weight by more than 50 per cent, while at the same time doubling the stiffness of the bracket.
Just last week, Oerlikon announced a partnership with Lufthansa to develop new process for 3D printing in the aerospace industry.
More News
Meet with an expansion expert
Our services are free of charge and include:
- Introduction to key contacts in industry, academia, and government
- Advice on regulatory framework, taxes, labor, market, and setting up a company
- Custom-made fact-finding visits, including office and co-working space