3D Systems Partners with Fleet Space Technologies to Enable Production of Patch Antennas for Next Generation Satellites
July 21 2022 - 4:05PM
Today, 3D Systems (NYSE:DDD) announced a new collaboration with
Fleet Space Technologies which has led to the production of
innovative RF patch antennas for use on their Alpha satellite
constellation. The combination of Fleet Space Technologies’ unique
design along with the expertise of 3D Systems’ Application
Innovation Group (AIG) allowed them to architect a complete
additive manufacturing solution – which includes process
development and bridge production on its DMP Flex 350 – enabling
the companies to move from Fleet Space’s existing RF patch design
to small batch production in just three weeks. Fleet Space
Technologies is bringing a DMP Flex 350 printer into service at
their headquarters in Beverley, Adelaide allowing the company to
bring production of its patch antennas in-house. The printer will
be used to create RF patch antennas for each of the Alpha
satellites operating in a constellation in low earth orbit as part
of Fleet Space Technologies’ ExoSphere initiative for mining
exploration with minimal environmental impact.
Fleet Space Technologies’ engineering team designed the antenna
to meet size, weight, and performance requirements while minimizing
the need for post-processing. The team knew that the only way the
geometry of this patch antenna design could be realized is through
additive manufacturing. 3D Systems’ AIG developed print processes
to produce the antenna on its DMP Flex 350 printer in two different
materials - LaserForm AlSi10Mg and Al6061-RAM2. The unique vacuum
chamber architecture of the DMP Flex 350, which maintains a low
oxygen environment (<25 ppm), was critical. Not only is argon
gas consumption heavily reduced, but the vacuum chamber
architecture also produces a good surface finish with fine feature
detail which minimizes signal losses. Additionally, the DMP Flex
350 also includes 3DXpert® software 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. The team is able to achieve fast and
cost-effective production of 55 RF patch antennas per build on the
DMP Flex 350. Having the DMP Flex 350 solution on-site will also
provide Fleet Space Technologies with the ability to additively
manufacture structural components that were not previously
available.
“Our work with Fleet Space Technologies is yet another example
of how 3D Systems helps our aerospace customers accelerate
innovation and de-risk their additive manufacturing application
development,” said Dr. Michael Shepard, vice president, aerospace
& defense segment, 3D Systems. “We do this by partnering with
customers to provide an application solution with the right
hardware, materials, software, and services for their needs. In
this case, we’ve been able to help Fleet Space Technologies bring a
qualified production process for their satellite hardware in-house
in a very short amount of time.”
“Fleet’s Alpha constellation represents a
significant leap forward in our mission to unlock the potential of
truly global connectivity, in doing so creating global benefits for
applications like making the search for critical minerals more
sustainable and viable,” said Flavia Tata Nardini, founder and CEO,
Fleet Space Technologies. “To achieve this, we constantly
strive to find more ways to manufacture our technology to deliver
exceptional quality at scale and in a way that is economically
viable. Together with 3D Systems’ AIG, we are unlocking the
remarkable potential of additive manufacturing at our world-class
facility in Adelaide, South Australia. This technology will enable
our people to create the production processes that will deliver on
Fleet’s ambition to launch more than 140 low earth orbit satellites
in the Alpha constellation.”
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,
uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results,
performance or achievements of the company to be materially
different from historical results or from any future results or
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Forward-looking statements are based upon management’s beliefs,
assumptions, and current expectations and may include comments as
to the company’s beliefs and expectations as to future events and
trends affecting its business and are necessarily subject to
uncertainties, many of which are outside the control of the
company. The factors described under the headings "Forward-Looking
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
statements made by management or on its behalf, whether as a result
of future developments, subsequent events or circumstances or
otherwise, except as required by law.
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/c23629f0-c84e-4914-bd71-19673ee70af0
Investor Contact: investor.relations@3dsystems.com
Media Contact: press@3dsystems.com
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