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Linde has announced a collaboration with Ariane Group, a contractor specializing in civil and defense space launcher systems, to enhance the additive manufacturing process of copper alloys intended for use in the engine combustion chambers of future heavy-lift rockets. Additive manufacturing (AM) has opened up possibilities for designing intricate copper engine components, including cooling channels, which were previously unattainable.

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Copper, valued for its aerospace heat conductivity, presents challenges in 3D printing due to laser reflection, necessitating high-intensity printing that risks overheating and oxidation. To address these challenges, Linde is leveraging its custom gas mixture, ADDvance Laser230, and its oxygen control system, ADDvance O2 precision, in collaboration with Ariane Group to develop a highly precise AM process for producing high-quality printed copper components.

Pierre Foret, Associate Director of AM at Linde, expressed pride in the partnership, emphasizing Linde's commitment to innovation through collaborations with world-leading partners like Ariane.

ADDvance Laser230 enhances laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) printing by utilizing an argon-helium blend, reducing fumes and spatter, speeding up the printing cycle, improving reliability, and reducing part costs. Linde states that these characteristics make it suitable for use with any alloy and for complex structures in AM.

ADDvance O2 precision maintains an extremely low residual oxygen level of 10ppm (parts per million), mitigating overheating and oxidation, thus enabling more efficient printing without the need to wait for layers to cool down. This technology also supports the reuse of non-oxidized powder, reducing material costs.

Mathis Palm, Process Specialist at Ariane Group, highlighted the importance of improved AM processes in ensuring the competitiveness of future launcher engines. Enhanced processes are vital for reducing manufacturing costs, improving lead times, and maintaining the high quality and reliability that Ariane Group is known for.

Ariane Group, with a legacy of launching rockets carrying satellites into orbit, has demonstrated expertise in space exploration through projects like the Ariane 5 and Vega C Rockets, developed under the management of the European Space Agency (ESA). These rockets have been integral to carrying payloads into various orbits, showcasing Ariane Group's leadership in the space industry.

According to the article by Procurement Resource, Linde is collaborating with Ariane Group to enhance the 3D printing of copper alloys for rocket engine combustion chambers. Copper's excellent heat conductivity poses challenges in 3D printing due to laser reflection. Linde is using its custom gas mixture, ADDvance Laser230, and oxygen control system, ADDvance O2 precision, to develop a precise 3D printing process. ADDvance Laser230 uses an argon-helium blend to improve reliability and reduce costs, while ADDvance O2 precision minimizes overheating and oxidation, enabling more efficient printing and reducing material costs.