INNOSPACE, a South Korean satellite launch service company, has become the first in the country to commercialize a metal additive manufacturing process that produces high-precision titanium components without support structures, marking an expansion into advanced deep-tech manufacturing.

The process enables the production of complex curved structures — including spherical and dome-shaped components such as satellite propellant tanks — while reducing both time and cost. INNOSPACE stated the achievement extends technological capabilities developed through its HANBIT launch vehicle program into commercial manufacturing applications.

Internal support structures are typically required in conventional metal additive manufacturing to prevent deformation during fabrication. That comes at a time and financial cost, however, with increased post-processing, longer production times, and constraints on design freedom.

Through the application of advanced process control technologies within standard laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) environments, INNOSPACE claims to have secured product quality and structural stability without support structures. At the same time, the company says it has also addressed technical challenges associated with titanium materials, which are prone to thermal distortion and require sophisticated process control.

Validated through real-world aerospace application

INNOSPACE supplied components produced using the process to a domestic aerospace company in December, completing real-world application and validation. The company reported that by reducing post-processing steps, the technology cut manufacturing time 2.5x and reduced costs by up to 40%. Increased design freedom also results in lightweighting and performance improvements, allowing the company to meet customer requirements in aerospace and defense applications.

“The advanced metal manufacturing sector is characterized by high technological entry barriers and stringent quality verification standards, making it a strategically important field where securing core technologies directly impacts scalability and profitability,” stated Soojong Kim, Founder and CEO of INNOSPACE.

“Building on our additive manufacturing capabilities developed through launch vehicle programs, we will accelerate expansion into high-value markets, including aerospace, defense, and satellite structures, and strengthen our competitive position in the global market.”

The company branched out into automotive AM at the start of the year, with an agreement to supply its proprietary integrated additive manufacturing monitoring solution, INNO AM-X, to car manufacturer Hyundai.