Burloak and MDA celebrate eight years of redefining aerospace with metal 3D printing for advanced satellite programs.
In an impressive milestone for Canadian aerospace, Burloak Technologies and MDA Space have celebrated eight years of groundbreaking collaboration, leveraging metal 3D printing to redefine flight hardware manufacturing. The partnership, built on shared goals of innovation and precision, has delivered transformative results in satellite technology, encompassing cutting-edge materials and next-generation design.
A Legacy of Innovation
As Canada’s premier contract manufacturer specializing in metal 3D printing, Burloak Technologies has been instrumental in advancing additive manufacturing for aerospace. Collaborating with MDA Space, Canada’s leading space technology company, Burloak has amassed significant IP in manufacturing processes tailored to complex flight applications. Together, they have pioneered designs for RF waveguides, antenna components, and structural parts for high-profile satellite programs like Telesat Lightspeed and Airbus OneSat.
The partnership’s achievements speak volumes:
- Duration: 8 years of continuous innovation.
- Materials: Aluminum, Titanium, and Invar 36 form the backbone of production.
- Programs Supported: Projects include SDA Tranche 1, Maxar Legion, and OHB H2Sat.
- Production Milestone: Burloak will supply over 50,000 metal components for the historic Telesat Lightspeed program.
MDA Space has recognized the pivotal role of Burloak’s Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM) expertise. Sam Donato, Product Manager at MDA Space, commended the collaboration, stating, “We now look for every opportunity to leverage 3D printing to increase performance, improve schedules, consolidate parts, and reduce costs.”
Scaling Up to the Future
The ongoing Telesat Lightspeed initiative underscores the growing scale of Burloak’s manufacturing capabilities. As the largest satellite constellation in Canadian history, it is a testament to the evolving potential of metal additive manufacturing in high-volume production. Burloak’s extensive materials portfolio and AS9100-certified quality systems position the company as a key player in aerospace manufacturing, with a significant focus on antenna feeds, optical components, and structural elements.
Cross-Industry Excellence
Beyond aerospace, Burloak has expanded its influence into aviation, defense, and energy sectors. Its heat treatment post-processing, certified by NADCAP, underscores its leadership in delivering trusted, high-quality solutions across industries.
Looking Ahead
Jason Ball, Vice-President and General Manager at Burloak, emphasized the long-term vision of the partnership: “The relationship with MDA Space has allowed us to refine our 3D printing and post-processing capabilities, achieving significant flight heritage in a competitive industry.”
With their sights set on further scaling additive manufacturing, Burloak and MDA Space continue to innovate, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in aerospace engineering. Their work represents not just a partnership but a blueprint for integrating advanced manufacturing technologies into the fabric of the aerospace industry.
