MetalFAB1 Additive Manufacturing (AM) System - Satellite Applications Catapult
A large 3D metal printer labeled "MetalFAB1" in an industrial setting with a touchscreen interface.

MetalFAB1

Location: Westcott Space Cluster

Additive manufacturing allows the creation of complex geometries and strong and lightweight parts in a cost-effective way. This technology is especially useful for rocket engines development for in space propulsion. The Satellite Applications Catapult continues to remove the barriers to growth for the UK Space Industry by making this technology available to companies on a pay-as-you-go basis, working with the Catapult’s Manufacturing for Space team.

The specific technology of the MetalFAB is Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF). It has a large build platform with net build envelope of 420 x 420 x 400 mm. The material that is currently being used is Inconel 718 with a layer thickness of 40 μm. It has 2 lasers of 500W and has an accuracy of ~0.05mm. It is possible to remotely access and monitor the printing processes with continuous video feed.

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Get in touch with our team – facilities@sa.catapult.org.uk

Gallery

Person in protective gear operating a large industrial machine in a clean, well-lit lab environment.
Industrial machine with a control screen and buttons, showing a window into the machine's internal components.
A 3D printer laser fuses powder to form a circular shape on a blue surface.
A person in protective gear operates a high-tech industrial machine in a laboratory setting.
Technician operating a touchscreen on a large 3D metal printer inside a bright, modern industrial facility.
Laser beam creating a circular pattern on a blue surface.
Bright yellow spark in the center of a dark blue background.

Applications

3D-printed rocket engine test with visible flame exhaust in a laboratory setting.
Close-up of a camera lens with focus on the textured edge, casting subtle reflections and shadows.
Close-up of a metallic, geometric lattice structure with diamond-shaped patterns, creating a textured, abstract effect.
Close-up of intricate, textured 3D-printed objects in gray, featuring geometric patterns and curves against a dark background.
A MetalFAB1 3D printer by Additive Industries in a workshop setting with a computer interface visible.

Get in touch

We can help you identify where you are on your development journey, connect you with industry experts, and highlight relevant equipment – facilities@sa.catapult.org.uk

Other Prototyping & Manufacturing Facilities

A robotic arm against a blue, digital network background with connecting lines and dots.

In-Orbit Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing
Modern building exterior with "Westcott Innovation Centre" and "Catapult" signs under a blue sky.

Westcott Innovation Centre
Logo with text "DISC: Disruptive Innovation Space Capability" on a blue grid background.

DISC

Contact Our Team