I visited Atlantic Precision a couple years ago, one of the few shops in
the US with multiple EOS DMLS machines, and they were actively printing
parts for the RL-10 even back then. Printing the chamber is big and flashy,
but there's a lot of utility in cranking out highly detailed inco or haynes
parts.
For any part with moderate complexity of the nickel alloys it's now cheaper
to print and lightly post-machine than to machine from solid material, even
at small production quantities.
That is of relevance to AR because a one-off printed and sanded nickel
alloy nose tip for a higher performance hobby rocket should quite
affordable, especially if you shop around and make it clear that you're not
in a rush for the part.
On Tuesday, April 4, 2017, Dave Klingler <davek@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
Ehhhh…one can always ask. Sometimes people like to talk about where
they’re headed. :)
Dave
On Apr 4, 2017, at 1:17 PM, William Claybaugh <wclaybaugh2@xxxxxxxxx
<javascript:_e(%7B%7D,'cvml','wclaybaugh2@xxxxxxxxx');>> wrote:
Dave:
Anyone privy to such information is likely subject to a non-disclosure
agreement....
Bill
On Tue, Apr 4, 2017 at 12:24 PM Dave Klingler <davek@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
<javascript:_e(%7B%7D,'cvml','davek@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx');>> wrote:
I just saw an article over at parabolicarc about AJR's first 3d-printed
thrust chamber firing. I’m trying to decide whether, from what I’ve read,
they’re substituting copper for stainless in a few spots.
I think design changes are probably unlikely this early, but at the very
least the new manufacturing process opens up the way for different
materials and more elaborate cooling passages that wouldn’t be possible
using the old tube benders. Is anyone on this list privy to what sort of
plans AJR has for higher chamber pressures or other improvements to the
RL-10? What’s the schedule for doing complete engine certification?
Dave Klingler
