Gases and powders for Additive Manufacturing

Detailed, lightweight parts for space exploration

Additive manufacturing (AM) or 3D printing is a preferred method of manufacturing engine components, such as combustion chambers and turbopumps. Some satellite and spacecraft structural components are also produced by this method. AM is ideally suited for manufacture of space parts where low weight, high strength and complex geometries are need. Praxair Surface Technologies, a Linde company, is a leading supplier of titanium, nickel-chrome superalloy, and copper alloy metal powders to the space industry. Linde also provides argon gas to produce additive manufacturing metal powders, and special gas atmospheres for additive manufacturing.

Additive Manufacturing is increasingly being used in aerospace and particularly space exploration for various applications. This is because it allows for lighter, less expensive and more efficient parts to be made due to the unique geometries that are possible with AM as well as the materials used. Many companies want to develop rocket engines quickly, and the easiest way to do that is to change manufacturing processes. As a result, space companies are turning to 3D printing. More and more often, engineers are using additive manufacturing to 3D print rocket engine parts with a copper alloy powder, which can withstand high temperatures. In addition to the production of specific parts, additive manufacturing is also being used in the aerospace industry for the creation of 3D printed engine components. This growing trend enables the industry to reduce the weight of final parts.