Relativity Space Unveils Next Generation Metal 3D Printers for Rockets
Out of all the sectors using additive manufacturing, aerospace has always been one of the pioneers when it comes to embracing the technology. Indeed, 3D printing is critical for a variety of applications in the field thanks to its ability to reduce weight on parts while still retaining the full strength, important notably for parts that will be in the air. And now Relativity Space, one of the leading manufacturers for 3D printing solutions in space, has unveiled its Stargate 4th Generation metal 3D printers. These printers are expected to become the key to creating 3D printed rockets at scale.
Though 3D printed rockets are quickly becoming a hot topic nowadays, Relativity Space was actually the first to delve into the field. And still today they have the largest metal 3D printers in the world. 3D printing allows for light products that are more cost-effective and also faster to produce, and the technology is improving every day. It is for that reason that Tim Ellis, co-founder of CEO of Relativity Space believes that “all large-scale products that are designed to fly will inevitably be 3D printed.” This latest iteration of its one of a kind proprietary manufacturing platform is expected to be used immediately for the creation of Terran R, a fully reusable, 3D printed rocket from Relativity Space which will be capable of launching 20,000 kg to low Earth orbit.
The 4th generation Stargate metal 3D printers have significantly improved on their predecessors increasing build volume, speed and print quality.
What Can You Expect From Relativity Space’s Stargate 4th Generation Metal 3D Printers?
As you can expect from the 4th generation of the technology, these latest metal 3D printers have a number of upgrades which Relativity Space hopes will help them to further their 3D printed rocket production. Notably, Relativity Space points to the fact the new printers will print 7x faster than their Stargate predecessors and 12x faster than Relativity’s solutions overall. Additionally, the company notes that they will have an improved print quality thanks to powerful perception technology for in-process monitoring.
However what is really exciting about this new printer is that it boasts an entirely new print orientation and environment. The Stargate 4th generation printers use a horizontal print orientation, entirely eliminating ceiling height constraints which affect vertical 3D printers. In fact, these new metal 3D printers will be able to create objects that are up to 120 feet long and 24 feet wide. This results in an increased volume capacity of 55x its 3rd generation predecessor. Additionally, the company highlights that there will be reduce entropy for more consistent, reliable manufacturing thanks to Stargate’s robotic automation platform.
The horizontal orientation allows the printer to overcome ceiling height constraints for even larger parts.
The printers are expected to allow for a radical part count reduction as well as rapid design iteration, resulting in lighter, more cost-effective aerospace product production. Scott Van Vliet, SVP of Software Engineering concluded, “Iteration empowers innovation not only in our rocket design, but also in our own Stargate printers. In its short history, Relativity has made great strides in evolving its core 3D printing technology, but Stargate 4th Generation printers are our most innovative leap yet. We’re fundamentally changing the way our factories are designed and operating, and by flipping the script and going horizontal, we’re radically increasing our capacity for scale. Being a software-driven manufacturing company allows us to achieve unique product features, such as integrated pad-ups and domes, with radical flexibility.” You can learn more in the press release HERE.
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*Cover Photo Credits: Relativity Space
