Supernova wants to conquer the Space and Defense Industry

Using its proprietary VLM technology, the company intends to create parts that cannot be made in any other manufacturing method

Supernova, a company originating from the Spanish BCN3D, has announced the launch of a new business unit—Supernova Defense & Space. This unit will focus on developing a unique additive manufacturing ecosystem for energetic materials designed for military and space applications.

In March 2022, BCN3D, a Spanish manufacturer of FDM/FFF 3D printers, introduced a new 3D printing technology called Viscous Lithography Manufacturing (VLM). In January of this year, a dedicated, independent company—Supernova—was established to focus exclusively on the development of this additive manufacturing method, remaining independent from BCN3D.

The VLM technology enables the processing of high-viscosity materials, such as APCP (Ammonium Perchlorate Composite Propellant) and RDX (Cyclotrimethylene trinitramine), which was previously impossible with traditional 3D printing processes.

VLM uses a lithographic process where the viscous material is applied to a build platform using a transparent film and then cured by light, creating precise 3D elements. Unlike conventional methods that require low-viscosity resins, VLM can handle materials with 100 times higher viscosity, resulting in better mechanical properties of the finished products.

This new technology overcomes the geometric limitations of traditional methods like casting or extrusion, which have hindered the advancement of certain components. With VLM, it is possible to process materials with over 88% solid content, opening new possibilities for creating advanced military components, such as rocket motors (SRMs), explosives, and bullets, which require precisely tailored thrust profiles and increased combustion efficiency.

Supernova Defense & Space aims to accelerate the development of defense and space technologies by utilizing 3D printing to create components with high energy density, stable and homogeneous properties, and geometric freedom. The new business unit also supports rapid prototyping, on-demand production, and local manufacturing, significantly reducing project timelines and dependency on external suppliers.

Roger Antunez, founder and CEO of Supernova, emphasizes that Supernova Defense & Space is committed to pushing the boundaries of technological possibilities, providing engineers with tools for innovation and shaping the future of the defense and space industries. With these groundbreaking achievements, Supernova is becoming a leader in advanced additive manufacturing for the defense and space sectors.

Source: www.supernova3d.com