Dyndrite Partners with Ursa Major to Revolutionize Rocket Engine Manufacturing
On July 22, 2025, Dyndrite Corporation announced a significant multi-year licensing agreement with Ursa Major, a recognized player in aerospace and defense. This partnership will see Ursa Major adopt Dyndrite's LPBF Pro software, which is designed for metal additive manufacturing, specifically for the development of high-performance rocket propulsion systems. This collaboration marks a pivotal point in the aerospace industry, as the two companies aim to foster innovation in additive manufacturing (AM) for defense and commercial space applications.
The Road to Collaboration
This agreement comes after an extensive six-month evaluation process, during which Ursa Major's engineering teams determined that Dyndrite's LPBF Pro software significantly outperformed its existing AM tools. The results of this evaluation highlighted substantial improvements in several key areas, such as a faster file preparation process, reduced support requirements, enhanced print speeds, and better microstructural quality and surface finishes. These advancements are crucial for producing complex rocket engines, particularly in mitigating challenges related to thin walls and low-angle overhangs.
Dyndrite's LPBF Pro software stands out for its capability to shorten development cycles and minimize costs associated with the production of additive-manufactured engines. With Ursa Major's adoption of this technology, they aim to spearhead the next generation of propulsion systems that prioritize safety and efficiency.
Advanced Technology Integration
Ursa Major, known for its innovative staged combustion rocket engines, is set to transform its manufacturing capabilities using Dyndrite's advanced software. The engines produced by Ursa Major are designed to deliver high thrust within compact frameworks, featuring cutting-edge attributes such as vector control, throttle capabilities, and the ability to restart missions with ease. The integration of Dyndrite LPBF Pro into their operations signifies a leap toward agile development and adaptive production methodologies.
Commenting on the partnership, Steve Walton, Dyndrite's Head of Product, expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with Ursa Major's talented engineers. He highlighted the significant strides Dyndrite LPBF Pro has made in resolving fundamental challenges faced by traditional AM tools, emphasizing reductions in support structures, improved surface quality, and consistent microstructural results. This collaboration aims to provide strategic value to the industry by addressing persistent issues that have hampered performance in metal 3D printing.
Innovating Propulsion Manufacturing
This partnership is expected to unlock new avenues for advancing propulsion technology. As Thomas Pomorski, Director of Additive Manufacturing at Ursa Major, noted, the collaboration with Dyndrite has allowed Ursa Major to formulate complex parameter strategies that were unimaginable a year ago. The role of Dyndrite's software tools cannot be overstated in the context of scaling additive manufacturing capabilities across multiple machines and platforms.
In a joint effort to break through technical barriers, both companies aim to deliver next-generation defense and hypersonic propulsion hardware capable of being manufactured at unprecedented speeds and scales. Harshil Goel, CEO of Dyndrite, remarked on Ursa Major's push for innovation, stating that their work symbolized a shift from outdated workflows to a programmable, automation-ready approach to additive manufacturing.
Conclusion
By adopting Dyndrite LPBF Pro, Ursa Major is not just acquiring software; they are redefining their manufacturing processes. This forward-thinking approach positions them at the forefront of aerospace technology, promising a future where the boundaries of rocket engine manufacturing are continually expanded. As these two innovators move forward together, the prospect of significantly enhancing propulsion systems becomes increasingly attainable, making this partnership a noted milestone in the evolution of aerospace manufacturing.
For those interested in exploring Dyndrite's innovations further, the company invites LPBF users to participate in the 'You Control the Laser' workshop series. This initiative aims to provide hands-on experience with Dyndrite LPBF Pro across various cities, further empowering users to optimize their additive manufacturing workflows. Together, these companies embody a new era of ingenuity in rocket engine production, one that leverages cutting-edge technology to achieve remarkable advances in the aerospace sector.