Horizon Microtechnologies, a German company specializing in high-precision microfabrication, has successfully passed the ECSS-Q-ST-70-02C outgassing standard with its coated 3D printed components. This certification confirms the reliability of their proprietary metallisation process for precision and micro-scale additive manufacturing (AM) polymer parts in demanding space conditions.
“At Horizon Microtechnologies our mission is to establish 3D printed, metallized parts as optimized, rational, validated solutions to engineering and design challenges, rather than compromises. The outgassing tests we recently undertook and passed are one step on our path to demonstrating the viability of precision and microAM metallized parts for space applications,” said Andreas Frölich, CEO of Horizon Microtechnologies.
Coated Micro-AM Parts Meet ECSS Standard
Horizon’s manufacturing process combines high-precision 3D printing with coating and metallisation to produce microscale components, including antenna structures for RF and microwave systems. To assess performance in space-like conditions, the coated parts underwent outgassing tests under thermal vacuum.
Samples were exposed to 125°C for 24 hours in a vacuum of 10⁻⁶ to 10⁻⁷ mbar, following ECSS protocols. The parts were weighed before, after, and 24 hours post-test to evaluate volatile release and reabsorption. Material condensation on a nearby plate held at 25°C was also measured to assess contamination risk.
Results showed a Total Mass Loss (TML) of 0.354%, Recovered Mass Loss (RML) of 0.166%, and Collected Volatile Condensable Material (CVCM) of 0.000%—all within the ECSS limits (RML <1.00%, CVCM <0.10%).
“The result proves that our coating process delivers the reliability and stability required for extreme environments. It’s another proof point showing that 3D printed, coated polymer parts can meet the toughest aerospace standards. This milestone opens the door to next-generation applications where design freedom and performance converge. Space may be unforgiving, but Horizon’s technology is proving up to the challenge,” stated the company.
Horizon also announced it plans to continue qualification testing under additional stress conditions, including vibration, atomic oxygen, and radiation exposure.
Recent Industry Advances in AM Qualification
Other companies and institutions are also making progress in qualifying materials for advanced manufacturing applications.
In April, 6K Additive, a producer of advanced 3D printing materials, and German technology company TRUMPF announced the qualification of 6K Additive’s sustainable titanium powder for use in TRUMPF’s TruPrint metal additive manufacturing systems. This development aims to provide manufacturers—particularly in aerospace and defense—with access to high-performance titanium powder that meets strict quality standards while supporting sustainability in production.
In July, under the strategic partnership between Velo3D, a U.S.-based metal 3D printer manufacturer, and Amaero, a specialist in high-performance alloy powders, the Auburn University’s National Center for Additive Manufacturing Excellence (NCAME) printed and evaluated C103 Niobium and Ti-6Al-4V Titanium powders to confirm their compliance with additive manufacturing standards.
The powders met Velo3D’s preliminary benchmarks, enabling the initiation of system-specific testing on the Sapphire printer line. Notably, Amaero’s C103 powder passed the ASTM F3635 Class B requirements after a 2200°F heat treatment, while its Ti-6Al-4V powder met both AMS7015 and ASTM F3001 standards.
What 3D printing trends should you watch out for in 2025?
How is the future of 3D printing shaping up?
To stay up to date with the latest 3D printing news, don’t forget to subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry newsletter or follow us on Twitter, or like our page on Facebook.
While you’re here, why not subscribe to our Youtube channel? Featuring discussion, debriefs, video shorts, and webinar replays.
Featured image shows Coated 3D Printed Parts Meet ECSS Outgassing Standard. Photo via Horizon Microtechnologies.
