Eurostar E3000 Communications Satellite Has 3D Printed Aluminum Parts

A bracket -- manufactured for Airbus Defence and Space by 3T RPD Ltd, an additive manufacturing company based in Newbury, UK -- is the first aluminum part space-qualified for use on the Eurostar E3000 communications satellite. ADS says there are plans in the works to build parts with similar AM construction techniques such as waveguides, heat exchangers, propulsion components, secondary structures and fuel tanks. The part in question was made as a single piece via laser melting, weighs 35% less than the previous bracket and replaces one made up of four separate pieces which included 44 rivets. The additively-manufactured piece is also 40% stiffer. You can read the whole story here: http://3dprint.com/52422/3d-printed-satellite-part/


Below is a look at the bracket design:
http://3dprint.com/wp-content/upload...e-Ltd-2015.jpg