CAMPBELL, CA—High-performance-rocket manufacturer Launcher recently purchased another Sapphire Velo3D 3D metal printer to specifically print engine turbopump parts in titanium, including fuel pumps, flight turbine housings and orbiter pressure vessels. Such parts typically require casting, forging, and welding, as well as expensive tooling. 3D printing the parts lowers the cost for Launcher and increases innovation through iteration between each prototype.
The company's strategy is to use additive manufacturing for as many rocket components as possible. It also plans to take advantage of Velo3D’s contract manufacturing partners, like Stratasys, when scaling up production.