amsight Leads ESA Project to Streamline Qualification of 3D-Printed Space Components
Written with artificial intelligence.
amsight has been chosen to spearhead the DIQAM project, aimed at enhancing the qualification process for 3D-printed space components under the European Space Agency's FIRST! initiative. The 12-month project, which began in September 2026, seeks to create a digital qualification framework to make the process faster and more efficient.
Overview of the DIQAM Project
amsight is leading the Digital Qualification Framework for Additively Manufactured Space Components (DIQAM) project, part of the European Space Agency (ESA)'s FIRST! initiative. This project aims to simplify and expedite the qualification of 3D-printed space hardware by developing a data-driven framework that enhances transparency and reusability of qualification data.
Key Project Details
- Duration: The project will run for 12 months, starting from September 2026.
- Support: It is backed by the ESA Future Space Transportation (FLPP) team.
- Presentation: The project will be showcased at the ESA Future Space Transportation Autumn Session on October 14, 2026, in Paris.
Challenges Addressed
The project targets the significant challenges in industrial additive manufacturing, particularly the slow and cumbersome qualification processes. Current methods are often document-heavy and reliant on static reports and manual inspections. DIQAM aims to:
- Create a Digital Qualification Evidence Framework that integrates various data types, including process and material details, inspection results, and mechanical test evidence.
- Develop a space-specific reference specification and a Digital Part Qualification File to facilitate automated data handling.
Consortium and Validation
The project involves a consortium of partners, including ArianeGroup, InSpacePropulsion Technologies, APWORKS, Bimo Tech, and Fraunhofer IAPT. It will validate the digital framework using two industrial demonstrators: an ArianeGroup Phase Change Material container for the Ariane 6 and an ISPTech 4U propellant tank for a CubeSat propulsion system.
Industry Impact
Daniel Chipping from ESA emphasized the project's importance in reusing qualification data to reduce redundant inspections and accelerate certification processes. Tim Wischeropp, CEO of amsight, noted that the focus is not merely on producing additive manufacturing parts but on proving their quality efficiently and consistently through digital quality management. This project's implications extend beyond the aerospace sector, addressing widespread challenges in regulated additive manufacturing environments.