3D printing technology reference noted that CCTV News reported on April 15th that Blue Arrow Aerospace produced its 100th liquid oxygen methane rocket engine today. The rocket engine uses metal 3D printing technology in the manufacturing process, which also means that this technology has achieved new achievements in the application of commercial aerospace in China.

Last September, China's independently developed reusable rocket Zhuque-3 completed a 10 kilometer vertical takeoff and landing return flight test, marking a breakthrough in reusable carrier rocket technology.

In November 2024, the flight test mission of the improved Y-1 carrier rocket of Blue Arrow Aerospace Zhuque II was successfully completed

The takeoff thrust of Zhuque-3 can reach 900 tons. In the second half of this year, Zhuque-3 will make its maiden flight and is expected to become China's first reusable carrier rocket.

At present, the complete assembly of the Zhuque No. 3 power test piece has been completed in Jiaxing, Zhejiang, and has officially entered the critical stage of ground testing and takeoff verification. Today, the Tianque series engines used in this rocket reached an important milestone, completing the production of the 100th unit. This marks the entry of China's commercial aerospace power source into the stage of large-scale application, which is of milestone significance for the high-quality and large-scale development of China's commercial aerospace industry.

Tianque series engines: TQ-12B (first on the left), TQ-12A (second on the left), TQ-12 (first on the right)

The Tianque series rocket engine has made significant breakthroughs in structural integration, thrust performance improvement, intelligent manufacturing, and other aspects. It uses 3D printing technology in the processing technology, achieving a thrust adjustment range of 40% to 110%. It is currently the most advanced liquid oxygen methane engine in China.

The traditional engine manufacturing process requires cutting, polishing, and welding hundreds of components, resulting in a high failure rate. Through 3D printing technology, parts have achieved large-scale integrated manufacturing, with stronger reliability, reduced material usage, and shortened manufacturing time for components. In the future, the annual production capacity of Blue Arrow Aerospace's rocket engines will reach 100 units.