Velo3D (Campbell, CA), which specializes in additive manufacturing for high-value metal parts, and Launcher (Los Angeles, CA), which develops high-performance rockets for small satellites, is proving out the value of laser-based 3D printing for delivering satellites to orbit cost-effectively and with destination-orbit flexibility. Launcher purchased a Velo3D metal additive manufacturing solution to laser-print Inconel parts in April 2021 and has recently added a second one that prints titanium.
Launcher is now working with Velo3D to 3D-print its fuel pump, flight turbine housing parts, and Orbiter pressure vessels for its high-performance, closed-cycle liquid rocket engine. The pressure vessels will be manufactured with the second Velo3D Sapphire metal additive manufacturing system.
Rocket engine turbopump parts typically require casting, forging, and welding. The tooling required for these processes increases the cost of development and reduces flexibility between design iterations. 3D printing the turbo pump, including rotating Inconel shrouded impellers, lowers the cost and increases innovation through iteration between each prototype.
Launcher’s strategy is to use additive manufacturing in as many rocket components as possible. The company will also take advantage of Velo3D’s contract manufacturing partners like Stratasys Direct Manufacturing when scaling up production.
