Skyrora and ESA Partner to Advance Europe’s 3D Printed Rocket Materials

UK-based rocket manufacturer Skyrora is spearheading a new European Space Agency (ESA) project that has the potential to redefine propulsion manufacturing. In collaboration with Metalysis and Thermo-Calc Solutions, the company is developing and 3D printing a new high-temperature alloy called Tanbium. The material itself is design to withstand intense conditions inside rocket engines while also cutting production costs and reducing Europe’s reliance on imported metals and other materials.

Tanbium was developed through the ESA’s General Support Technology Programme, and is specifically engineered to outperform traditional aerospace alloys such as C103 and IN718. By utilizing additive manufacturing, the new material offers up to 30 percent weight savings, increased temperature resistance, and longer burn times. Production through 3D printing also means up to 95 percent less material waste and a estimated 40 percent reduction in costs.

Tanbium represents a new class of high-temperature alloys developed for rocket engines, offering greater heat resistance and strength through advanced 3D printing techniques.

Skyrora will lead the implementation of the project using its Skyprint systems, including one of the largest Directed Energy Deposition (DED) 3D printers in Europe. The company’s Director of Buisness Development, Derek Harris, stated that the project reinforces Skyrora’s commitment to European self-reliance. He noted, “Tanbium will enable full domestic sourcing with the powder produced by Metalysis, components printed and tested by Skyrora, and performance optimised through Thermo-Calc simulation.”