South Korean researchers have achieved a major milestone in space manufacturing by successfully testing the world’s first 3D-printed titanium fuel tank to pass extreme cryogenic pressure conditions, marking a breakthrough that could transform how spacecraft components are produced.
The 640mm diameter tank, manufactured using Ti64 titanium alloy through Directed Energy Deposition (DED) 3D printing, withstood pressures of 330 bar while cooled to -196°C with liquid nitrogen during testing at the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI). The pressure test exposed the tank to forces 165 times greater than standard tire pressure, demonstrating its reliability under the extreme conditions of space missions.
From what I can understand this isn’t necessarily stronger or better than existing solutions but much more flexible while be just as strong. This method would allow to produce larger variety of space vehicles and much much faster.