The aerospace company SpaceX has unveiled the latest version of its Raptor engine, which features a simplified and consolidated design. This optimisation was made possible by the use of additive manufacturing technologies.
Elon Musk, founder of SpaceX, commented on Platform X that the company has “the most advanced 3D metal printing technology in the world”. This statement followed a post highlighting the extensive parts reduction of the new Raptor engine.
The Raptor 3 SN1 features internalised secondary flow paths and regenerative cooling for exposed components. These innovations make the heat shield superfluous and reduce mass and complexity. The fire suppression system has also been eliminated.
Compared to the predecessor models Raptor 1 and 2, there is a clear integration of external components into a slimmer design. The new engine is lighter than the Raptor 2 and at the same time offers greater thrust and efficiency.
The consolidation of components, weight reduction and the ability to manufacture complex internal structures are typical advantages of additive manufacturing processes. While SpaceX has not released specific details on the use of additive technologies in optimising the Raptor design, Musk’s comment suggests extensive use.
Many of them are 3D metal printed into the wall of the part
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 3, 2024
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