Laser Wire Additive Manufacturing used to build full-size rocket thrust chamber

April 28, 2020

The interior section of the rocket thrust chamber assembly, showing the partially completed machining process between finished machining and the as-built surface (Courtesy ADDere)

ADDere, the metal Additive Manufacturing division of Midwest Engineered Systems Inc., headquartered in Waukesha, Wisconsin, USA, has successfully used its Laser Wire Additive Manufacturing technology to build a full-size rocket thrust chamber assembly, which merges a combustion chamber and nozzle.

Measuring 1070 mm high and 610 mm diameter and additively manufactured in stainless steel, ADDere was reportedly able to build the assembly with metallurgical qualities approaching billet grades. The rocket nozzle assembly was said to have taken only twenty hours to build; after Additive Manufacturing, it was machined to its finished shape, having a 3 mm sidewall on the thrust chamber body with thicker walls in the combustion chamber portion.

“It’s so rare that we get to show some of the capabilities we have, especially one that has gone through finish machining,” stated Scott Woida, President ADDere. “I think it gives a new perspective to what is possible with the technology.”

The rocket thrust chamber assembly demonstrates the advantages of Laser Wire AM for large-scale components, including the key ability to combine assemblies of parts into one component, allowing for far more advanced geometries than were previously available and eliminating the need to rely on large production quantities to drive prices down in manufacturing technologies where custom tooling is required.

“I think a lot of people only see the straight-from-the-printer parts we show but miss the potential of the process that’s unveiled after finish machining,” explained Pete Gratschmayr, VP of Sales, ADDere. “It’s the savvy engineer who’s got their fingers on the pulse of what’s next that truly understands the potential the ADDere systems can provide. This part is a glimpse into that future.”

www.addere.com/print-services-main

In the latest issue of Metal AM magazine

Download PDF
 

Extensive AM industry news coverage, as well as the following exclusive deep-dive articles:

  • Back to the future: A decade of Additive Manufacturing innovation and growth at Materials Solutions
  • Win or lose: A CEO’s reflections on Artificial Intelligence and Additive Manufacturing
  • AMS 2025 New York: A reality check for the Additive Manufacturing industry
  • Optimising powder removal in PBF-LB Additive Manufacturing: A Digital Twin approach
  • ValCUN’s MMD: A robust, wire-based aluminium AM technology for defence and industrial applications
  • Enhancing quality and reliability in metal Additive Manufacturing: The role of laser calibration

TRUSTED CONTENT. TARGETED AUDIENCE

Advertise with Metal AM and access a global base of 50,000+ AM professionals.

Contact Jon Craxford: [email protected]

  • AM machines
  • Process monitoring & calibration
  • Heat treatment & sintering
  • HIP systems & services
  • Pre- & post-processing technology
  • Powders, powder production and analysis
  • Part manufacturers
  • Consulting, training & market data

Don’t miss a thing – register for our newsletter

Don't miss any new issue of Metal AM magazine, and get the latest industry news. Sign up to our twice weekly newsletter.

Register now

Join 40,000+ other AM professionals – follow us online

About Metal Additive Manufacturing magazine

Metal AM magazine, published quarterly in digital and print formats, is read by a rapidly expanding international audience.

Our audience includes component manufacturers, end-users, materials and equipment suppliers, analysts, researchers and more.

In addition to providing extensive industry news coverage, Metal AM magazine is known for exclusive, in-depth articles and technical reports.

Our focus is the entire metal AM process from design to application.

Each issue is available as an easy-to-navigate digital edition and a high-quality print publication.

Discover our magazine archive…

The free to access Metal Additive Manufacturing magazine archive offers unparalleled insight into the world of metal Additive Manufacturing from a commercial and technological perspective through:

  • Reports on visits to leading metal AM part manufacturers and industry suppliers
  • Articles on technology and application trends
  • Information on materials developments
  • Reviews of key technical presentations from the international conference circuit
  • International industry news

All past issues are available to download as free PDFs or view in your browser.

Browse the archive

Share via
Copy link
Powered by Social Snap