Linde has announced that it will collaborate with civil and defence space launcher system contractor Ariane Group (Ariane) in an effort to improve the additive manufacturing process of copper alloys to be used in engine combustion chambers of future heavy-lift rockets.
Additive manufacturing (AM) now enables the design of intricate copper engine components, including cooling channels, which were previously impossible.
Prized for aerospace heat conductivity, copper poses challenges in 3D printing due to laser reflection, necessitating high intensity, risking overheating and oxidation.
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