3D Systems & Airbus Defence and Space Create Novel Passive RF Components for First Fully Reconfigurable Satellite
May 11 2022 - 4:05PM
Today, 3D Systems (NYSE:DDD) announced the company has been
selected by Airbus Defence and Space to produce critical components
for its industry-first satellite innovation, OneSat. 3D Systems’
Application Innovation Group (AIG) has designed an end-to-end
additive manufacturing solution – comprising materials, 3D printing
technology, software, and applications expertise – to produce the
components required for the large antenna array on these
satellites. Additively manufacturing these components offers design
freedom to enable weight reduction, part performance optimization,
and faster time to market which aids in more rapid deployment of
these unique satellites to meet end-users’ needs. 3D Systems was
selected for this important project based on the part quality
achievable with its DMP systems as well as its demonstrated
expertise and performance working with Airbus Defence and Space
over the past seven years. Previous collaborations include
production of the first 3D printed radio frequency (RF) filter
tested and validated for use in commercial telecommunications
satellites and the production of innovative switch assembly network
designs for two Eurostar Neo spacecraft as part of the first
large-scale deployment of RF products using direct metal printing.
Each OneSat satellite requires two large antenna arrays, one to
transmit signals and one to receive. 3D Systems’ DMP Factory 500
Solution will be employed for serial production of the antennae
components using LaserForm AlSi10Mg and specific parameters
developed by the AIG for this application to achieve the required
30µm layer thickness. The DMP Factory 500 was selected for this
project based on its build volume (500mm x 500mm x 500mm),
accuracy, and rapid print speed. The intelligent multi-laser
configuration of this printer enables the production of seamless
large parts resulting in the highest surface quality with
outstanding material properties. The printer includes a unique
vacuum chamber that allows for the lowest possible oxygen (O2)
content in the build chamber protecting chemical composition and
reducing the moisture content of the metal powder alloys during
manufacturing. This ensures optimum operating conditions for
consistent part quality (e.g., mechanical properties and surface
homogeneity), which is necessary for an industry with such high
requirements for quality and precision. The DMP Factory 500 also
includes 3DXpert® which supports every step of the additive
manufacturing workflow from design to post-processing, to quickly
and efficiently transition from a 3D model to successfully printed
parts.
In addition to providing design and production expertise, 3D
Systems’ Application Innovation Group is also acting in the
capacity of project manager. The company has identified
subcontractors that are conducting post-processing and quality
inspection, thus delivering a comprehensive end-to-end solution
designed to help Airbus Defence and Space mitigate risk and reduce
time to market. The AIG is also leading the technology transfer
process, whereby they will enable another tier 1 supplier to
quickly ramp production of these fully-qualified components. The
supplier is also purchasing another DMP Factory 500 to complement
its existing fleet and allow it to meet the quality levels required
by Airbus.
“We value our long-standing partnership with Airbus Defence and
Space, and are pleased with how our collective work continues to
make its mark in telecommunications satellites,” said Dr, Michael
Shepard, vice president, aerospace & defense segment, 3D
Systems. “As with our earliest work with Airbus on the first
additively manufactured RF filter, we have the opportunity to bring
another ‘first’ to the industry that is changing
telecommunications. Our AIG has laid the groundwork for developing
the application for this component and completing the technology
transfer. We’re proud that 3D Systems’ technology can help lay the
foundation for Airbus to build a strong supply chain for serial
production of passive RF hardware.”
“OneSat is a truly disruptive product, and we wanted our design
and manufacturing process to possess that same level of
innovation,” said Stephen Phipps, OneSat antenna program manager,
Airbus Defence and Space. “Our company has a strong partnership
with 3D Systems and has relied on its team of application engineers
to help us bring our most advanced designs to life. Everything from
the quality of the parts produced using their printers, through to
parts qualification, quality management, and overall project
management have helped Airbus Defence and Space maintain its
position as an industry leader.”
Forward-Looking StatementsCertain statements
made in this release that are not statements of historical or
current facts are forward-looking statements within the meaning of
the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks,
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trends affecting its business and are necessarily subject to
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Statements" and "Risk Factors" in the company’s periodic filings
with the Securities and Exchange Commission, as well as other
factors, could cause actual results to differ materially from those
reflected or predicted in forward-looking statements. Although
management believes that the expectations reflected in the
forward-looking statements are reasonable, forward-looking
statements are not, and should not be relied upon as a guarantee of
future performance or results, nor will they necessarily prove to
be accurate indications of the times at which such performance or
results will be achieved. The forward-looking statements included
are made only as of the date of the statement. 3D Systems
undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking
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of future developments, subsequent events or circumstances or
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About 3D Systems More than 30 years ago, 3D
Systems brought the innovation of 3D printing to the manufacturing
industry. Today, as the leading additive manufacturing solutions
partner, we bring innovation, performance, and reliability to every
interaction - empowering our customers to create products and
business models never before possible. Thanks to our unique
offering of hardware, software, materials, and services, each
application-specific solution is powered by the expertise of our
application engineers who collaborate with customers to transform
how they deliver their products and services. 3D Systems’ solutions
address a variety of advanced applications in healthcare and
industrial markets such as medical and dental, aerospace &
defense, automotive, and durable goods. More information on the
company is available at www.3dsystems.com.
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/08fed2bf-1ae2-491b-a2a0-a856471f6fc2
Investor Contact: investor.relations@3dsystems.com
Media Contact: press@3dsystems.com
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