MDA, a global communications and information company, contracted the services of Axis Prototypes of Montreal to print and paint a pair of satellite antennas to be used in a mock-up presentation for a major satellite communications provider. The final working model will be manufactured primarily out of aluminum with various surface finishings tested against and optimized for its orbital environment.
Axis used SLA technology to print six unique parts of the prototype in various grades of polypropylene and hollowed out certain sections to optimize cost and manufacturability. Internal structures, threaded inserts and bearings were integrated in house. After the individual parts we printed within a build envelope size of 2 x 1 x 1ft. (24 x 12 x 12 in.), they were primed and painted to the client’s specifications with some parts, such as the bracket, coated with a metallic finish.By embarking on an agile manufacturing process like rapid prototyping, MDA was able to obtain a conceptual model in under three weeks, one that clearly demonstrates its fit and form characteristics and how it will be integrated with its hosting satellite.
About Axis Prototypes
Based in Montreal, Canada, Axis Prototypes provides 3d printing and rapid prototyping services to support low-cost, low-volume manufacturing operations across numerous markets, including aerospace, aeronautics, automotive, sporting and consumer goods, dental and medical, architecture, and telecommunications. Axis Prototypes operates production grade 3d printers to produce conceptual and functional prototypes from various polymer and metallic materials based on additive manufacturing technologies such SLA, DMLS, SLS, and FDM. Axis is a distributor of 3D SLA printers from Prodways, a leading 3D printer manufacturer in Europe. For more information, visit www.axisproto.com.
About MDA
MDA is a Canadian public global communications and information company offering operational solutions to commercial and government organizations worldwide. The company’s business is focused on markets and customers with strong repeat business potential, primarily in the Communications sector and the Surveillance and Intelligence sector. In addition, the company conducts a significant amount of advanced technology development. For more information, visit www.mdacorporation.com.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Alan Benlolo
514.983.7244
alan@compassmkt.com
Subscribe to Our Email Newsletter
Stay up-to-date on all the latest news from the 3D printing industry and receive information and offers from third party vendors.
Print Services
Upload your 3D Models and get them printed quickly and efficiently.
You May Also Like
Benelli Looks to 3D Printing for Gun Chassis
There’s a lot happening in the world of 3D printing guns. There is the ever-present danger of some people trying to print guns at home. Suppressors are one of the...
Outlaw3D: FBI Director’s 3D Printed Gun Gifts Destroyed in New Zealand
During a visit to New Zealand this July, FBI Director Kash Patel cut the ribbon on the bureau’s first standalone office in Wellington. At the same time, he presented senior...
OUTLAW3D: Singapore’s 3D Printing Service Bureaus Ask for Better Regulations on Gun & Vape Parts
Back in 2021, the Parliament of Singapore passed a law called the Guns, Explosives, and Weapons Control (GEWC) Bill, banning individuals without the appropriate licenses from owning digital blueprints for...
Lawmakers Reignite Effort to Block Online Sharing of 3D Printed Gun Files
Senator Edward Markey (D-MA) introduced a new bill in the U.S. Senate that would ban the online distribution of digital files used to 3D print firearms. The proposed legislation, called...





























