LISI makes large Additive Manufacturing parts a reality
With the recent launches of the Telkom 3S, SGDC and KOREASAT-7 satellites, plus satellites in the Iridium Next constellation, Thales Alenia Space has now sent into orbit 79 metal parts made by additive manufacturing (3D printing) and 350 polymer tube supports for chemical propulsion systems.*
The story started two years ago, back in April 2015, with the first 3D-printed aluminum antenna support, sent into orbit on the…
LISI AEROSPACE Additive Manufacturing has announced that in cooperation with Thales Alenia Space, it has co-designed and produced large reaction wheel brackets for the new Spacebus Neo platform. The first batch consisted of 16 pieces ready to install on telecom satellites.
In the past, additive layer manufactured parts used to be produced as a unique piece and on very specific requests. Each piece required a long lead time and many resources to fit the requirements. But thanks to this new Thales Alenia Space design, LISI AEROSPACE Additive Manufacturing is now capable of producing large parts. The partners will continue their collaboration on larger parts (building chamber 800 x 400 x 500 mm) with more integrated functions. These aluminum parts increase LISI’s portfolio of serial flying components. The company is currently manufacturing Inconel 718, titanium and stainless steel for major aerospace OEMs, such as Dassault Aviation en Thales Alenia Space.
