The Swiss company SWISSto12, a pioneer in advanced radio frequency (RF) products and telecommunications satellites, has significantly expanded its production capabilities with the acquisition of four MetalFabG2 metal 3D printers from Additive Industries. This investment aims to drive the development and production of next-generation RF components while meeting the growing demands of the aerospace industry.
Founded in 2011 as a spin-off from ETH Lausanne, SWISSto12 has gained recognition for its innovative use of 3D printing technologies. With the world’s largest patent portfolio for additive manufacturing in RF applications, the company leverages complex geometries that would be impossible to achieve with traditional manufacturing methods. This approach enables the creation of integrated RF systems with significantly fewer components, reducing weight, improving performance, and lowering production costs. The technology also offers shorter lead times and affordable customization options. To date, SWISSto12 has successfully deployed over 1,000 such products in space without any failures.
Mark Massey, CEO of Additive Industries, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration: “We are delighted to announce SWISSto12’s investment in our MetalFabG2s. It is a testament to the trust they place in our technology to meet the exacting demands of their industry. Our metal 3D printers, equipped with four full-field lasers, provide unparalleled precision and automation, making them an ideal choice for SWISSto12’s cutting-edge RF products.”
The MetalFabG2 systems feature four full-field lasers capable of simultaneously operating across the entire 420 x 420 mm build platform, ensuring the highest precision and maximum productivity. Their ability to produce large monolithic structures with integrated mechanical and thermal properties makes them ideal for demanding satellite technology applications. Three of the new printers are dual-core models equipped with advanced automation features, optimizing the entire printing process from preparation to post-processing.
Emile de Rijk, CEO of SWISSto12, highlighted the significance of the investment: “Our collaboration with Additive Industries marks a milestone in our pursuit of excellence in RF technology and production scale-up. The quality and capabilities of the MetalFabG2s align seamlessly with our commitment to innovation and quality. This investment enables us to service the growing requirements and production volumes for our aerospace customers.”
The new MetalFabG2 systems are expected to further enhance SWISSto12’s innovative capabilities and support the growing needs of the aerospace sector.
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