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Arthur T Knackerbracket [soylentnews.org] writes:

EDITORS: THIS HAS BEEN PRODUCED BY SOFTWARE UNDER DEVELOPMENT - THE CONTENT MAY REQUIRE EXTENSIVE EDITING

https://www.tomshardware.com/3d-printing/othisis-test-fires-3d-printed-fully-cryogenic-reusable-rocket-engine-indian-startup-leverages-slm-printing-to-create-its-first-working-prototype [tomshardware.com]

Firm Test-Fires 3D-Printed, Fully Cryogenic Reusable Rocket Engine — Indian Startup Leverages SLM Printing To Create Its First Working Prototype

As a broad description, SLM printers work by depositing a layer of microscopic metal powder on a base, and then firing a laser that melts the powder into solid at specific places. The base then drops down a fraction of a millimeter, a new layer of powder is deposited, and the process repeats. All told, this results in layers around just 0.05 to 0.06 mm [acsmaterial.com] thick, made of metals and alloys that traditional consumer 3D printers can't quite handle. Here's an illustrative video [youtube.com] of the process.

Additionally, the burn is stronger than the commonly used Kerolox, while leaving behind almost no residue, lowering maintenance time and improving reusability turnaround. Drawbacks include lower fuel density (thus the need for larger tank sizes), trickier storage due to the low temperature, and potential hazards for handling.

Othisis has reportedly signed MoUs (memorandum of understanding) to carry payloads into space, even though it's only been formally in business for two years. The company is the brainchild [othisissystems.com] of Syed Affan, the creator of the Rocketry India Discord server, who founded the company while pursuing his undergraduate degree.

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