Development of a rocket nozzle proves the viability of metal additive manufacturing

Betatype and nTopology are partnering to develop and produce a functionally optimized rocket nozzle part.

nTopology designed the base mechanical structure of the part, using its nTop Platform software to convert the 3D model of the nozzle part into an implicit model. The team then used nTopology’s advanced topology optimization and simulation tools to optimize the design of the part. Working together with Betaype and applying the capabilities of its unique Engine and Process Control technology, they were able to further optimize the design for metal additive manufacturing; specifically the laser powder bed fusion (PBF) process.

This application of Betatype’s software technology enabled an increase in productivity for the complex metal rocket nozzle part. Betatype achieved a reduction in build time on the AM system from 25 hours down to 18 hours, or 28%.

The rocket nozzle part was built in titanium on a Renishaw RenAM250 system by Betatype. It was a test part created to highlight how different solutions can be integrated through partnerships. The capabilities of nTop Platform demonstrated how functionality can be improved through the application of intelligent design, while ensuring the part is fit for purpose. However, the input from the partnership with Betatype illustrates how the design can only take you so far, and complexity and functionality does not have to come at the expense of productivity.

Betatype
www.betaty.pe