ETH Zurich is working on a multi-material 3D printing system

A group of students at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich is working on a further development of the laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) process as part of the RAPTURE focus project. The aim is to develop the fastest and most efficient system of this type to date. In addition, the process should enable the integration of several materials in one component. This multi-material capability promises great advantages for the aerospace industry in particular.

LPBF is one of the most advanced 3D printing technologies and enables the layer-by-layer production of complex, precise 3D objects with outstanding details and material properties. The process is already being used in the aerospace, healthcare and automotive industries, as it enables design freedom, material savings and the production of customized components.

For rocket components, the integration of different materials in one component is extremely advantageous, as it simplifies the development of high-performance, lightweight and high-strength components and promises efficiency gains. Multi-material capability offers welcome flexibility, especially for components such as heat shields or nozzles that require special material properties. It promises to increase reliability and performance in missile systems.

The RAPTURE project builds on the experience of the previous PROMETHEUS project. In this project, students developed a test bed for additively manufactured liquid-fueled rocket engines in 2022/23. The students receive support from academic supervisors and industrial partners. RAPTURE is also part of the Academic Space Initiative Switzerland (ARIS), an association of Swiss universities for space exploration.