The Atlas V Rocket, built by ULA, is the first vehicle to adopt 3-D printing for serial production of thermoplastic components.
Numerous components were 3-D printed for the Atlas V ducting system in the rocket's payload fairing.
Stratasys Ltd. supported a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket, launched from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The Atlas V rocket flew serial production 3-D printed parts enabled by Stratasys support and technology. The 3-D printed parts highlight the ability to replace metal components with 3-D printed lightweight thermoplastic components.
With the aerospace knowledge of ULA and Stratasys' additive manufacturing technology, numerous components were 3-D printed for the Atlas V ducting system in the rocket's payload fairing. The parts include brackets, nozzles and panel close-outs and were 3-D printed in ULTEM 9085 on a Fortus 900mc Production 3-D Printer. ULA credits Stratasys with assisting them in engineering, production tooling and production parts.
For ULA, additive manufacturing solutions allowed for design flexibility and unique material properties to optimize parts that can withstand the harsh launch environment. It also resulted in substantial cost and time benefits in comparison to traditional manufacturing methods.
"Stratasys continues to be a great supplier to ULA, supporting our Atlas V and Delta IV launch vehicles. Our partnership has enabled Stratasys to bring parts such as tooling and support equipment into ULA's factory in Decatur, AL, to help us build rockets," said Greg Arend, ULA Manager, Additive Manufacturing.
"It has been impressive to see how ULA has innovated with industrial 3-D printing, and we are excited to continue working with them to push the technology further," said Scott Sevcik, Director, Business Development - Aerospace & Defense at Stratasys.
See video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l9Z9xAvAofQ) to learn more about some of ULA's 3D printed parts and how they were qualified for launch.
For more information contact:
Stratasys Ltd.
7665 Commerce Way
Eden Prairie, MN 55344
877-489-9449 / 952-937-3000
info@stratasys.com
www.stratasys.com