India’s push toward self-reliance in high-performance engineering received a significant boost with the successful launch and first delivery of the Akasha300, a high-temperature multi-material extrusion 3D printer, to the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre in Valiyamala.
The milestone marks a key step in strengthening India’s capabilities in advanced additive manufacturing, particularly for space and high-end industrial applications.
The system has been developed to support cutting-edge research and rapid prototyping in demanding environments where conventional manufacturing techniques fall short.
The team demonstrated the engineering capabilities and long-term vision behind the Akasha300 platform.
WHAT IS AKASA300 3D-PRINTER?
At the core of the innovation is a highly advanced multi-material extrusion system capable of handling complex engineering materials.
The printer features dual-extrusion technology capable of operating at temperatures up to 350°C, with future upgrades planned to extend this to 500°C.
Its modular extruder design allows integration of additional extrusion systems, paving the way for hybrid additive manufacturing techniques.
Equally significant is its controlled high-temperature environment. The Akasha300 includes a heated bed that can reach up to 110°C, upgradeable to 150°C, and an enclosed chamber capable of maintaining temperatures up to 80°C. This enables stable and precise printing of high-performance materials that require strict thermal conditions.
Designed as an industrial-grade research platform, the system incorporates a robust motion system and integrated air filtration.
These features make it suitable for research and development, allowing engineers and scientists to create functional components and prototypes with greater speed and accuracy.
The development of the Akasha300 was supported by the Space Technology Innovation and Incubation Centre at IIST, along with backing from the Kerala Startup Mission. The collaboration highlights the growing role of academic and startup ecosystems in driving innovation in India’s space sector.
With its deployment at LPSC, the Akasha300 is expected to play a crucial role in enabling new advancements in propulsion systems, materials research, and next-generation manufacturing technologies, further strengthening India’s ambitions in space exploration and engineering innovation.
