Yet again, additive manufacturing is poised to help rockets take flight. In this week’s 3DExpress, read about aerospace company INNOSPACE launching its new advanced manufacturing division, footwear company Koobz’s $7.2 million investment round, a partnership between ASTM International and Nikon Advanced Manufacturing, and more!
INNOSPACE Bets on Additive Manufacturing for Rocket Engine Production
South Korean aerospace company INNOSPACE has launched a new advanced manufacturing division for the in-house production of launch vehicle engines and components. The new division will operate under a production system that will combine different metal additive manufacturing technologies. The company has announced that it is now operating at full capacity after passing, for the first time in South Korea, the ISO/ASTM 52941-20 international standard shipping inspection for additive manufacturing equipment in the aerospace industry. Its production system covers the entire value chain, from design and manufacturing to surface treatment and quality control. All managed in-house.
By the end of the year, INNOSPACE plans to consolidate engine production and other key launch vehicle components, implement a data-driven quality management system, and optimize costs and delivery times. In addition to strengthening its position in the space market, the company plans to expand its production system. Soojong Kim, founder and CEO of INNOSPACE states that the system “has the potential to expand into high-value-added industries beyond aerospace and defence, including automotive and semiconductors, further enhancing Innospace’s commercialisation competitiveness.”
3D printed oxidizer pumps for INNOSPACE’s “HANBIT-Nano” launch vehicle (Credits: INNOSPACE)
3D Printed Footwear Company Koobz Announces $7.2 Million in Latest Funding Round
The California-based footwear manufacturer Koobz just announced it received $7.2 million in its latest funding round. With this new funding, Koobz plans to continue its mission of revolutionizing footwear manufacturing. Traditional footwear requires 70-200 components per shoe and 300-700 production steps. With 3D printing, the process can be reduced to two production steps, allowing products to be launched in weeks instead of months, also permitting localized production that simplifies the supply chain. The company will use the funding to expand its production capabilities and invest in research and development. The Koobz team also aims to incorporate advanced automation technologies that streamline production and reduce their environmental footprint. Additionally, the funding will support collaborations and partnerships, from independent designers to large brands.
3D printed shoe from Koobz (Photo Credits: Koobz)
ASTM International and Nikon Advanced Manufacturing to Develop Educational Offerings for the Defense Sector
ASTM International and Nikon Advanced Manufacturing have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on training programs that meet the needs of the U.S. Department of Defense. The joint goal is to train professionals in manufacturing processes that meet the needs of the Department of Defense. Nikon will be responsible for developing the programs at its Nikon AM Technology Center in Long Beach, California. In addition to LPBF machines, metrology tools are also available there. Nikon AM will also increase its involvement in ASTM events. Both parties will organize seminars and workshops. There are also plans to work more closely with federal agencies and government-sponsored projects to drive manufacturing innovation. “It has become increasingly clear that advanced manufacturing is critical to national competitiveness, and over the past couple of years, Nikon AM has been executing a strategic plan focused on onshoring these vital capabilities. In order to develop, build and operate the next generation of manufacturing equipment and solutions, we also need to inspire, educate and train the next-generation workforce about AM technology,” said Hamid Zarringhalam, CEO of Nikon AM. Andrew G. Kireta, Jr., President of ASTM International added, “This collaboration with Nikon AM brings together two institutions with unmatched legacy and global recognition. Together, we’re reinforcing the connection between workforce development, resilient supply chains, and national security—all while helping accelerate the adoption of advanced manufacturing at an industrial scale.”
Nikon AM Technology Center in Long Beach, California (Image: Nikon)
Dimension Ortho and Rotham Orthopaedics Launch Partnership to Redefine Orthotic Care with 3D Printing
Rothman Orthopaedics, one of the largest orthopedic practices in the U.S., is partnering with Dimension Ortho, a leader in 3D printed orthotics. The company fabricates casts, braces and splints using a combination of advanced scanning, software design and novel biomaterials. Rothman will integrate Dimension Ortho’s platform for personalized bracing and fracture care across its clinical sites, setting a new standard for patient care. Alexander R. Vaccaro, President of Rothman Orthopaedics, explained the reasoning behind the decision: “This is something patients want and need in an environment of time constraints and rising healthcare costs.” Dimension Ortho’s production system can be adopted across any treatment setting, an advancement that will bring Rothman providers more advanced braces and casts to their patients. “Traditional cast and splint immobilization has seen little innovation for decades,” said Pedro Beredjiklian, MD, Co-Founder of Dimension Ortho. “At Dimension Ortho, we’re leveraging proprietary technology to transform fracture care with solutions that are more effective, comfortable and tailored to each patient.”
Patient with 3D printed cast from Dimension Ortho, made with the company’s patented printing and post-processing method. (Photo Credits: Dimension Ortho)
Freemelt Delivers First Machine to a German Industrial User
Freemelt AB is a Swedish manufacturer of industrial 3D printers. The company is now taking a significant step towards increasing its market presence, as Freemelt has announced that it has leased its first machine to a customer from German industry. Although several Freemelt printers are already in use in German universities or research institutes, this is the first machine to be delivered to an industrial customer. The customer will use the Freemelt ONE machine for R&D and prototyping. It was not disclosed who this customer is. Freemelt is renting the printer for a sum of 2.7 million Swedish kronor, with delivery scheduled for the fall. This is undoubtedly a milestone for Freemelt in establishing itself in industrial applications.
Photo Credits: Freemelt
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