
The Galician technology centre is participating in the European OVERLEAF project, which seeks lighter and more sustainable solutions for tomorrow's aviation.
A 3D-printed part, developed to withstand temperatures below -250°C, is the heart of this liquid hydrogen storage system.
O Porriño,
April 28, 2025 – The AIMEN Technology Centre has
achieved a milestone in industrial innovation with the 3D manufacturing of an
innovative cryogenic tank demonstrator, designed for future applications in the
storage of liquid hydrogen (LH₂) in aircraft. This advancement is part of the
European OVERLEAF project, led by the Spanish aeronautical company ACITURRI,
which seeks to develop lighter and more efficient systems for the clean
aviation of the future. The designed solution consists of a dual system: an
inner tank made of thermoplastic material, responsible for maintaining liquid
hydrogen at extreme temperatures, and an outer carbon fiber structure that
provides strength and structural safety. AIMEN was responsible for
manufacturing the inner tank, using high-precision, large-format additive
manufacturing technology, a pioneer in Spain.
"This
is a technological solution that will mark a before and after in the
manufacturing of components for sustainable aviation," explains Pablo
Romero, Team Leader of the Additive Manufacturing of Composites R&D group
and coordinator of the OVERLEAF project at AIMEN. "We have applied all
our knowledge in robotics, additive manufacturing, and process design to
address a highly technical challenge."
The 1.5-meter
diameter tank was manufactured in a robotic cell developed by AIMEN, equipped
with high-performance 3D printing systems and infrared heating systems to
ensure proper adhesion between layers. The process required more than 100
uninterrupted hours of printing and was monitored in real time using thermal
cameras.
In addition
to its technological contribution, AIMEN has worked with the French center
CANOE to develop a new sustainable material, based on a bio-based thermoplastic
reinforced with natural fibers, which allows for the printing of strong,
lightweight, and environmentally friendly structures.
"This
project demonstrates how technology can respond to the major challenges of
decarbonization. Investing in hydrogen as an energy vector also means
transforming the systems that make it viable, and AIMEN has a lot to contribute
to this," adds Xabier Pérez, researcher in the Additive
Manufacturing of Composites R&D group and head of the tank's additive
manufacturing activities at AIMEN.
With this
collaboration, AIMEN consolidates its role as a European leader in advanced
manufacturing, especially in the field of additive manufacturing with
high-performance materials, contributing to the industrial and sustainable
transformation of strategic sectors such as aeronautics.