3D Systems & Airbus Defence and Space Create Novel Passive RF Components for First Fully Reconfigurable Satellite

• 3D Systems’ expertise and technology enable development of large antenna array for OneSat - first satellite that can be fully reconfigured in orbit
  
  
• Companies enter multi-year contract to develop antennae for entire OneSat fleet

ROCK HILL, S.C., May 11, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, (NYSE:DDD) announced the company has been selected by Airbus Defence and Space to produce critical components for its industry-first satellite innovation, OneSat. 3D Systems’ (AIG) has designed an end-to-end additive manufacturing solution – comprising materials, 3D printing technology, software, and applications expertise – to produce the components required for the large antenna array on these satellites. Additively manufacturing these components offers design freedom to enable weight reduction, part performance optimization, and faster time to market which aids in more rapid deployment of these unique satellites to meet end-users’ needs. 3D Systems was selected for this important project based on the part quality achievable with its DMP systems as well as its demonstrated expertise and performance working with Airbus Defence and Space over the past seven years. Previous collaborations include production of tested and validated for use in commercial telecommunications satellites and the production of innovative switch assembly network designs for two Eurostar Neo spacecraft as part of of RF products using direct metal printing.

Each OneSat satellite requires two large antenna arrays, one to transmit signals and one to receive. 3D Systems’ DMP Factory 500 Solution will be employed for serial production of the antennae components using LaserForm AlSi10Mg and specific parameters developed by the AIG for this application to achieve the required 30µm layer thickness. The DMP Factory 500 was selected for this project based on its build volume (500mm x 500mm x 500mm), accuracy, and rapid print speed. The intelligent multi-laser configuration of this printer enables the production of seamless large parts resulting in the highest surface quality with outstanding material properties. The printer includes a unique vacuum chamber that allows for the lowest possible oxygen (O₂) content in the build chamber protecting chemical composition and reducing the moisture content of the metal powder alloys during manufacturing. This ensures optimum operating conditions for consistent part quality (e.g., mechanical properties and surface homogeneity), which is necessary for an industry with such high requirements for quality and precision. The DMP Factory 500 also includes 3DXpert^® which supports every step of the additive manufacturing workflow from design to post-processing, to quickly and efficiently transition from a 3D model to successfully printed parts.

In addition to providing design and production expertise, 3D Systems’ Application Innovation Group is also acting in the capacity of project manager. The company has identified subcontractors that are conducting post-processing and quality inspection, thus delivering a comprehensive end-to-end solution designed to help Airbus Defence and Space mitigate risk and reduce time to market. The AIG is also leading the technology transfer process, whereby they will enable another tier 1 supplier to quickly ramp production of these fully-qualified components. The supplier is also purchasing another DMP Factory 500 to complement its existing fleet and allow it to meet the quality levels required by Airbus.

“We value our long-standing partnership with Airbus Defence and Space, and are pleased with how our collective work continues to make its mark in telecommunications satellites,” said Dr, Michael Shepard, vice president, aerospace & defense segment, 3D Systems. “As with our earliest work with Airbus on the first additively manufactured RF filter, we have the opportunity to bring another ‘first’ to the industry that is changing telecommunications. Our AIG has laid the groundwork for developing the application for this component and completing the technology transfer. We’re proud that 3D Systems’ technology can help lay the foundation for Airbus to build a strong supply chain for serial production of passive RF hardware.”

“OneSat is a truly disruptive product, and we wanted our design and manufacturing process to possess that same level of innovation,” said Stephen Phipps, OneSat antenna program manager, Airbus Defence and Space. “Our company has a strong partnership with 3D Systems and has relied on its team of application engineers to help us bring our most advanced designs to life. Everything from the quality of the parts produced using their printers, through to parts qualification, quality management, and overall project management have helped Airbus Defence and Space maintain its position as an industry leader.”

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements made in this release that are not statements of historical or current facts are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the company to be materially different from historical results or from any future results or projections expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. In many cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by terms such as "believes," "belief," "expects," "may," "will," "estimates," "intends," "anticipates" or "plans" or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. Forward-looking statements are based upon management’s beliefs, assumptions, and current expectations and may include comments as to the company’s beliefs and expectations as to future events and trends affecting its business and are necessarily subject to uncertainties, many of which are outside the control of the company. The factors described under the headings "Forward-Looking Statements" and "Risk Factors" in the company’s periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, as well as other factors, could cause actual results to differ materially from those reflected or predicted in forward-looking statements. Although management believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, forward-looking statements are not, and should not be relied upon as a guarantee of future performance or results, nor will they necessarily prove to be accurate indications of the times at which such performance or results will be achieved. The forward-looking statements included are made only as of the date of the statement. 3D Systems undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements made by management or on its behalf, whether as a result of future developments, subsequent events or circumstances or otherwise, except as required by law.

About 3D Systems

More than 30 years ago, 3D Systems brought the innovation of 3D printing to the manufacturing industry. Today, as the leading additive manufacturing solutions partner, we bring innovation, performance, and reliability to every interaction - empowering our customers to create products and business models never before possible. Thanks to our unique offering of hardware, software, materials, and services, each application-specific solution is powered by the expertise of our application engineers who collaborate with customers to transform how they deliver their products and services. 3D Systems’ solutions address a variety of advanced applications in healthcare and industrial markets such as medical and dental, aerospace & defense, automotive, and durable goods. More information on the company is available at .

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at