Oerlikon and LENA Space collaborate on metal AM for Space launch technology

November 9, 2017

News
November 9, 2017
Oerlikon and LENA Space collaborate on metal AM for Space launch technology

The AM impeller for the LENA Space pump solution was presented at Oerlikon’s MTC event in October 2017, Munich.

 

Oerlikon, the global technology and engineering group, and LENA Space, a rocket propulsion start-up based in the UK, have agreed to a partnership to develop optimised additively manufactured components for propulsion systems. These systems are used in small launch vehicles to launch payloads in low earth orbit.

This partnership combines LENA’s experience and vision for fast-to-market, high-performance, low-cost launch propulsion technology with Oerlikon’s end-to-end value proposition in Additive Manufacturing to drive wider adoption of AM in the space industry.

All parts, components and systems used in space need to meet highly stringent requirements in terms of weight, power and structural design and they need to optimally function in demanding space conditions. Additive Manufacturing can help deliver new and cutting-edge technologies and solutions to satisfy such demands.

This collaboration serves to bring innovative approaches to addressing such manufacturing challenges for space. LENA Space designs and develops turbines, impellers, pumps, combustion chambers, regenerative cooling systems and more.

Collaborating with Oerlikon’s Additive Manufacturing business unit opens up opportunities to unlock new designs with next generation materials to produce highly functional parts with breakthrough performance. Such knowledge sharing can also foster wider partnerships globally and support the growth and innovation in the space industry.

Dan Johns, Global Head of R&D-Additive Manufacturing at Oerlikon, said, “We look forward to partnering with LENA Space to develop truly innovative products using our Additive Manufacturing capability. In particular, we will bring into the collaboration our differentiating capabilities in four areas: design for additive engineering, rapid alloy development (RAD), additive process knowledge to create high quality, repeatable components and our advanced coatings. Through our expertise, we aim to expand the operational envelope.”

Natasha Allden, Chief Commercial Officer at LENA Space commented, “Working with Oerlikon is a unique opportunity to explore the new field of Additive Manufacturing in space technology. At LENA, we continually challenge and innovate technology and processes. Additive Manufacturing allows us to make step changes in producing complicated designs not possible with traditional machining, improving the performance whilst reducing the mass of our products. We look forward to our partnership with Oerlikon and shaping the future of space propulsion technology.”

Oerlikon and LENA Space will be exhibiting at the Formnext in Frankfurt from the 14-17 November at booth 3.1-E30.

www.oerlikon.com/am | www.lenaspace.com

News
November 9, 2017

In the latest issue of Metal AM magazine

Download PDF
 

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

  • LEAP 71: Why engineering must move beyond CAD to realise the promise of AI and Additive Manufacturing
  • Additive Manufacturing and European defence: a critical opportunity as the US and China accelerate ahead
  • A market analyst’s view: Europe’s opportunity as defence AM surges in the US and China
  • From Fixed Processes to flight parts: How REM’s advanced surface finishing supports NASA JPL’s AM innovations
  • The future of large metal parts: WAAMathon #2 showcases developments in Wire Arc Directed Energy Deposition
  • Wire Electron Beam Directed Energy Deposition (DED): Advancing productivity and sustainability in metal AM
  • Building trust in AM: How Qualified AM GmbH is enabling regulated production at scale

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