Titanium propulsion tank

Lockheed Martin Space Systems has awarded a contract to Phillips Service Industries’ subsidiary Sciaky to provide an electron beam additive manufacturing (EBAM) system.

The EBAM system will allow Lockheed Martin reduce time and cost for production of titanium propulsion tanks.

Sciaky’s EBAM process uses a 3D model from a computer-aided design (CAD) programme and its electron beam gun places metal layer-by-layer until a near-net shape part is achieved.

The near-net shape part will then undergo post-production machining.

The EBAM system has a 110in by 110in by 110in (L x W x H) envelope which will facilitate production large titanium parts with no waste, Sciaky said.

Sciaky general manager Mike Riesen said: "Sciaky’s EBAM technology will help Lockheed Martin significantly reduce material costs, lead times, and machining times."

Sciaky offers additive manufacturing solutions for metal parts, electron beam and arc welding systems for aerospace, defence, automotive, and healthcare segments.

The welding equipment is used in manufacturing parts such as airframes, landing gear, jet engines, guided missiles and vehicle components.

Lockheed Martin Space Systems designs and manufactures a wide range of systems for national security, civil and commercial customers, including human space flight systems; remote sensing, navigation, meteorological and communications satellites and instruments; laser radar, fleet ballistic missiles and missile defence systems.


Image: A Titanium propulsion tank. Photo: courtesy of PRNewsFoto / Sciaky, Inc / Lockheed Martin.

Defence Technology