Titanium and nitinol passive heat pipes

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3D Systems' Additive Manufacturing Solutions Enable Pioneering Research on Advanced Thermal Control Systems for Next Generation Space Missions
GlobeNewswire News Room· 2025-06-03 12:30
Core Insights - 3D Systems is collaborating with Penn State University and Arizona State University on NASA-sponsored projects to develop advanced thermal management solutions for spacecraft [1][5][6] - The projects focus on creating lightweight, efficient heat pipe radiators using additive manufacturing technologies, specifically targeting next-generation satellites and space exploration [1][2][6] Group 1: Project Details - The collaboration has led to the development of titanium heat pipe radiators that are 50% lighter and can operate at temperatures of 230°C, enhancing heat transfer efficiency for space applications [2][5] - A significant innovation includes the creation of a passive shape memory alloy (SMA) radiator using nitinol, which has a projected deployed-to-stowed area ratio 6 times larger than current solutions, allowing for more efficient use of space in CubeSats [1][3][5] Group 2: Technological Advancements - The use of Oqton's 3DXpert® software has enabled the embedding of a porous network within heat pipes, streamlining the manufacturing process and improving performance [2][3] - The passive SMA radiator can be deployed without motors, relying on heat from fluid inside, which simplifies the design and reduces potential points of failure in space [3][4] Group 3: Market Potential - The total addressable market for additive manufacturing in space applications is projected to reach nearly $4 billion by 2030, indicating significant growth opportunities for 3D Systems [5][6] - The global market for additive manufacturing in the aerospace industry was estimated at $1.2 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow to $3.8 billion by 2030, highlighting the increasing adoption of these technologies [6]