# ORION-AM reached 2 times competitors’ tensile strength along Z on their FDM systems with pure PEEK. ### ![>](file-guid:c0d75b1a-40ab-4bf2-8c59-464149bedff0 "Picture1.jpg" =200x)**Quickread :** Orion-AM is an FDM machine manufacturer processing technical polymers like PEEK up to 99,95% density, thanks to a specific radiative system to maintain hot temperature (300°C) in the nozzle vicinity. ## The Story Orion-AM contacted AMable EU project consortium to fully test and validate the capabilities of their FDM machine for space-compliant cubesat frame made of PEEK. ## The Approach The requirements were tight. Technically, the objectives were to keep dimensional tolerance around ± 0.1 mm, and the surface finish of as built part as close as possible to 1,6 µm. The performance increase was also investigated compared to conventional aluminium frame manufacturing. The targets were a  cost reduction of 20%, a weight reduction of 25% and a production time decreased from 3 weeks down to only 1. The customization capability of AM was also a considered added value. ## The Solution The experiment results were even better than the initial objectives. The PEEK use allows a mass reduction down to 50%, with also a decrease of the assembly steps compared to conventional manufacturing. Thanks to laser polishing, the macroroughness reached the 1,6 µm surface finish expected, which is pretty good considering the FDM technology. Regarding dimensional tolerances, the requirements were fulfilled in the as-built state, no need of post processing. And what about mechanical properties ? They reached 97 MP in the X-Y plane and up to 43 MPa in the Z plane. The study performed during the experiment shown that comparable competitors achieved something like 17 to 23 MPa along Z. This significant difference is mainly due to the specificity of Orion AM technology, their radiative head, which allow to reach a better density (up to 99,95% measured by CT), making this FDM process more isotropic. Cherry on the cake, they achieved a lead time reduction of 90%, suppling part within 4 days. You can see the related Orion AM interview on Youtube, or access more content on [AMable.eu](http://AMable.eu) website. The link are here below. ## Further readings * Link to AMCUBE : [https://amable.eu/solutions/cases/amcube](https://amable.eu/solutions/cases/amcube) * Link to the SME : [https://www.orion-am.com/](https://www.orion-am.com/)