Zero 2 Infinity has chosen 3D printing as a method to create prototype parts for their small satellites that they launch into space, specifically into low Earth orbit. This technology will allow them to save costs in time and in the manufacture of parts for prototypes of new models.

About Zero 2 Infinity

Zero 2 Infinity is a company located in Barberà del Vallès (Barcelona) that develops balloons (small satellites) to launch them into near space, with the mission of providing small and large companies access to low Earth orbit for functions such as collecting data of interest , capture high definition images or manage communications, among others. To do so, this company uses a balloon-capsule and a balloon-launcher, adding a payload to it to fulfill its functionality.

The challenge: Manufacture small personalized series, saving on time and production costs​

Zero 2 Infinity is dedicated to sending its satellites into near space, created and designed by themselves with the aim of bringing small and large companies and scientific institutions closer to the possibility of testing elements over most of the Earth's atmosphere, at about 40 kilometers high. One of the values on which the company is based is that the impact created by its balloons is significantly less for the environment, an advantage over conventional systems and those involving objects created with 3D printing.

Thanks to the new challenges that the company is facing, they decided to have the help of INTECH3D to incorporate 3D printing in their company, with the aim of being able to manufacture small personalized series for their satellites; without this new form of production affecting their times and costs. In this way, we would help them create parts for prototypes of conceptual satellites, at first, and final (and practical) ones over time.

The Solution: 3D Printing Functional Prototyping

Previously, Zero 2 Infinity used to manufacture its parts and prototypes using Additive Technology and Subtractive Technology (machining center). After contacting INTECH3D and assessing their needs, based on lowering costs and production times, we decided which materials and 3D technology would be the most suitable for 3D printing the parts they needed to manufacture:

• Applied 3D technology: FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling).
• 3D materials used: PETG (polyethylene terephthalate with glycol), ABS filament (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) and Nylon filament.

Project results: Creation of personalized parts and reduction of cost and production time thanks to 3D printing

After the application of 3D printing technology, Zero 2 Infinity has allowed them to incorporate a new advance into their company in terms of reducing costs and production times. It has been so much the case that we have created a piece with dimensions of 28.96cm^3 in a printing time of only 7 hours.

In this way, the company in the aerospace sector increases its field of opportunities: designing and manufacturing new parts for its conceptual prototypes in a faster and more functional way, and with a long-term practical objective, using these parts in its balloons so that they can travel around the next space. The materials used in his 3D prints not only give the pieces resistance, but also lightness; a very important quality in the field of space satellites.

From INTECH3D it has been a pleasure to be able to participate in a project of this caliber because we think the work they do and the way they carry it out is spectacular. With the addition of 3D technology, they can continue to improve on the challenges that Zero 2 Infinity faces, continue to explore and grow in a field that is increasingly within the reach of individuals and companies, but still to be explored. With the incorporation of its 3D printer, the company enjoys better efficiency and agility in its pre-production and production processes, apart from improving its profitability in costs and times.

The INTECH3D 3D Consulting process

INTECH3D we are business advisers and consultants, in the field of the integration of additive production technologies in the value chains of companies. We take responsibility for the correct integration of the teams in the value chain of each company or business:

• Advice during the choice of the right technology
• Marketing of equipment, consumables and spare parts
• Training for the use of the necessary Hardware and Software
• Integrated equipment maintenance
• Official technical service for all products marketed

The INTECH3D technical team has more than 6 years of experience in various 3D printing technologies. We have different technologies and manufacturing materials with 3D printing, to cover the different technological or business needs of each sector:

• Conceptual prototypes
• Functional prototypes
• Final components
• Workshop tools
• Spare parts
• Short and medium production series.

It is also very important that all the departments of the same company know all the possibilities and benefits that 3D printing can bring to their sector:

• Risk reduction in manufacturing
• Reduced manufacturing costs
• Reduced manufacturing time
• Validation with a prototype before making an investment in final manufacturing
• Manufacture "on demand", without discarding material.
• Reduction of the "Time to Market" of the final product
• Manufacture of "Bridge" series to know its fit in the market
• Possibility of making short production series
• Elimination of time in the provision of Stock

If you want to apply 3D printing technology in your company or business, do not hesitate to contact us. We are at the service of companies for the immediate resolution of any doubt or query related to the use of the equipment.