Orbex unveiled largest 3D printed rocket engine in the world

The British aerospace company Orbex regularly launches small, micro and nano satellites into accurate low Earth orbits. Until now, the company had not drawn much attention to its additive manufacturing activities or developments. However, they recently revealed that they have manufactured the world’s largest 3D printed rocket engine. It was printed in a single piece and will be part of Orbex’s Prime rocket.

The aerospace company unveiled its Prime rocket for the first time at the opening of its new headquarters and rocket design facility in Forres, Scotland. The ceremony was attended by VIPs from the UK and European space community as well as local community stakeholders. The Orbex Prime is a completely re-thought and re-engineered two-stage rocket designed by the company’s engineers with professional experience from organisations including NASA, ESA and Ariane.

Photo Credits: Orbex

Metal additive manufacturing to serve the aerospace industry

In fact, the rocket was 3D printed using the SLM800 metal 3D printer from German additive manufacturing company SLM Solutions. Prime was also manufactured to be an eco-friendly rocket. Its 3D printed engine, according to the company, uses 100% renewable fuel. Effectively, this should cut carbon emissions by 90%. Additionally, it has a zero-shock staging and payload separation, eliminating orbital debris.