The Orbex Prime rocket. Photo via Orbex
The Orbex Prime rocket. Photo via Orbex
3D printing the Orbex Prime engine
The engine for Orbex Prime has been 3D printed by SLM Solutions on an SLM 800 large format additive manufacturing system. The SLM 800 has a build area measuring 260 x 500 mm, with the capacity to build parts up to 800 mm tall – providing the potential scale of the Orbex engine.
It is made from nickel alloy, and its additive production has saved Orbex 90% in turnaround time and over 50% in costs compared to traditional CNC machining. In addition, the engine reportedly helps make the Prime “30% lighter and 20% more efficient than any other launch vehicle in its category.” In the concept stage, Orbex strategic investor Elecnor Deimos Space demonstrated that the Prime is 18,000 kg in mass.
One of the key factors in the engine’s production is that it is made in a single piece, eradicating joins and strengthening the part’s overall integrity. Speaking on its development Lukas Pankiewicz, Applications Specialist at SLM Solutions, comments, “Our aim during the process was to fulfill the quality expectations of the Orbex team, keep the functionality of the part and make it suitable for additive manufacturing.”
“EVERY SINGLE SUPPORT STRUCTURE USED IN DATA PREPARATION HAS BEEN CUSTOMIZED TO OBTAIN THE BEST QUALITY IN EVERY SECTION OF THE ENGINE, TAKING POST-PROCESSING INTO CONSIDERATION AS WELL