Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, China – at 9:00 A.M., on July 12th, the Landspace ZQ-2 Y2 successfully entered the designated orbit. The launch mission achieved complete success. Bright Laser Technologies (BLT) provided a comprehensive range of metal additive manufacturing (AM) support for the development of critical components in ZQ-2 Y2.
【Landspace launched ZQ-2 Y2 rocket at 9:00 a.m. (BJT) from the China Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center on July 12, 2023.】
Why adopt additive manufacturing in ZQ-2 Y2 (aerospace engineering)?
Subtractive manufacturing is inadequate in meeting the precise technical requirements for developing rocket components, especially engines. Landspace accordingly adopts additive manufacturing concepts to align with the technical requirements arising from design and development, thus achieving weight reduction, cost savings, fast production and shorter delivery cycle times. As BLT serves as its reliable supplier of additive manufacturing parts and technologies.
How was BLT’s additive manufacturing expertise implemented in the ZQ-2 Y2 Program?
The BLT product team conducted a comprehensive analysis of the service conditions for the parts and selected materials such as superalloy and stainless steel. In line with the requirements for dimensional characteristics, mechanical properties, and other factors, they employed machines such as BLT-S310 and BLT-S400 for production. These middle-format metal AM machines by BLT improves material utilization and achieve weight reduction.
BLT-S310 and BLT-S400 are recognized as the most advanced laser-based powder bed fusion of metals (PBF-LB/M) machines from BLT. They meet the rigorous demands of the aerospace industry through their high quality, efficiency, and stability. The available materials for forming range from titanium alloy, superalloy, aluminum alloys, stainless steel, high strength steel to tool steel.
BLT-S310, certified by Airbus, boasts a maximum build dimension of 250mm×250mm×400mm. The parts printed by BLT-S310 meet the installation requirements of Airbus civil aviation components in terms of performance. The BLT-S400 is primarily used for aerospace industry applications and enables mass production of aerospace components. It offers a larger build dimension compared to BLT-S310, with dimensions of up to 400mm×250mm×400mm.
BLT brings rich experience in the aerospace field. Leveraging their metal 3D printing technology, parts manufactured by BLT not only meet performance requirements but also enable the creation of complex structures and optimization. This capability significantly reduces prototyping and validation time, enhances efficiency, and facilitates weight reduction.
About LandSpace
Established in 2015, LandSpace Technology Corporation (LandSpace) is a leading Chinese commercial company in the field of aerospace transportation system development and operation. It is recognized as a national high-tech enterprise and a member of the International Astronautical Federation (IAF). Guided by national strategy and market demand, LandSpace is committed to developing a series of medium to large-sized launch vehicles that utilize liquid oxygen methane as the propellant. Their goal is to provide cost-effective and reliable launch services to the global market.
