The US start-up Raven Space Systems from Kansas City has announced a breakthrough in the field of industrial 3D printing. With a new technology called Microwave Assisted Deposition (MAD), the company is enabling the scalable additive manufacturing of thermoset composites for the first time. Aerospace and defense industries use these materials especially because of their heat resistance and lightness.
Normally, the processing of thermoset composites requires hours of curing time in ovens. MAD technology significantly shortens this process by curing the material directly during printing. This works in a similar way to laser-based metal 3D printing and significantly reduces production times.
Raven Space Systems was founded by Blake Herren and Ryan Cowdrey, who began developing the company while studying at the University of Oklahoma. Thanks to funding from the Small Business Innovation and Research program and grants from institutions such as NASA and the US Air Force, the team was able to develop the technology from concept to working prototype.
The company recently closed a two million dollar funding round to expand its production capabilities. These funds will be used to set up the first production lines, manufacture large-format printers and integrate mixing and processing systems. Raven plans to move into a new aerospace-certified manufacturing facility by mid-2025.
The company is currently focusing on aerospace applications, in particular thermal protection for rocket engines and supersonic aircraft. In the long term, founder Herren sees potential in other areas such as satellite production, autonomous systems and space propulsion. Although the technology is still under development, Herren believes it could fundamentally change the production of large composite structures.
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