Tenders Are Invited For High Performance 3D Printed Sandwich Core Lattices For Space Structural Applications

Tenders are Invited for High Performance 3D Printed Sandwich Core Lattices for Space Structural Applications Expro+. To develop lattice core sandwich structures using additive layer manufacturing processes and assess its potential for improved thermal-mechanical performance compared to traditional sandwich panels. Description: The emergence of Additive Layer Manufacturing (ALM) has unlocked new possibilities in structural design, enabling the fabrication of complex lattice geometries that are otherwise unachievable through conventional manufacturing techniques. Among these innovations is the potential to develop advanced lattice core sandwich structures (LCSSs), which can outperform traditional honeycomb cores in terms of processability, thermal and mechanical performance, while maintaining equivalent area-weight efficiency. This activity focuses on exploring the capabilities of ALM in the design, fabrication, and testing of LCSSs, with the goal of demonstrating their potential advantages over conventional sandwich panel constructions. The activity will focus on the compatibility of these lattice cores with thermoplastic Automated Tape Placement (ATP) skins, with a preference for solutions supporting on-site, out-of-autoclave consolidation. This activity encompasses the following tasks: - Review current state-of-the-art in lattice and honeycomb core structures and identify a relevant case study that would benefit from the integration of ALM-fabricated lattice cores. - Design a lattice core structure tailored to the requirements of the selected case study, to optimize both thermal and mechanical performance while maintaining manufacturability using ALM processes. - Perform detailed material characterization to assess the mechanical and thermal properties of the selected lattice design. - Fabricate a scaled prototype of the complete sandwich construction, integrating the lattice core. - Conduct physical testing to evaluate structural integrity, thermal behaviour, and overall performance under representative loading conditions. - Develop a process roadmap for integrating the lattice core with composite skins. Price Range: 200-500 KEURO Open Date: 15/04/2026 10:41 CET Closing Date: 12/06/2026 13:00 CET Tender Link : https://esastar-publication-ext.sso.esa.int/ESATenderActions/filter/open