Innospace commercializes support-free titanium 3D printing process for aerospace components

South Korean space launch vehicle manufacturer Innospace, led by CEO Kim Su-jong, has officially commercialized a support-free metal additive manufacturing process for titanium components. The proprietary technique, which operates within standard Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) equipment, eliminates the need for internal support structures typically required to prevent thermal deformation in complex geometries like spheres and domes. By removing these structures, the company has reduced manufacturing time by 60 percent and production costs by 40 percent compared to conventional LPBF workflows. The process was validated through the supply of high-precision components to a domestic aerospace firm in December 2025, confirming the structural integrity and reliability of the printed parts.

This development addresses a critical bottleneck in the aerospace supply chain, where the removal of support structures often accounts for significant post-processing labor and material waste. While traditional LPBF requires extensive manual support removal, which limits design freedom and increases the risk of surface defects, Innospace's approach leverages advanced process control to manage thermal gradients during the build. This capability is particularly relevant for the production of satellite fuel tanks and high-pressure vessels, where weight reduction and material performance are paramount. By integrating this manufacturing capability in-house, Innospace is positioning itself to capture higher margins in the high-value space and defense sectors, moving beyond its core business of hybrid rocket engine development.

For aerospace manufacturers, the primary value of this technology lies in the reduction of post-processing cycles and the ability to produce complex, thin-walled geometries that were previously unprintable. Users should prioritize verifying the fatigue life and surface finish of these support-free components against existing aerospace standards before full-scale integration. The success of this technology will depend on the company's ability to maintain consistent material properties across larger build volumes and complex geometries as they scale production for satellite structures.