Rocket engine
Image: Thrustworks

Thrustworks Additive Manufacturing GmbH, an additive manufacturing service provider that focuses on aerospace and energy, is now part of The Exploration Company (TEC).

The acquisition will help The Exploration Company expand its industrial footprint in Germany while creating new skilled jobs.

With services that span design optimization, post-processing, and quality assurance, Thrustworks also brings to the table capabilities in printed refractory metals, oxidation-resistant coatings, and the manufacturing of highly engineered propulsion components.

Notably, Thrustworks is one of the first companies to commercialize an EU-based capability for the printing and coating of high-performance thrust chambers made of Niobium alloy C103, used for both civil and defense applications.

“With this merger, we integrate within TEC and scale at the service of the European industry a unique niobium printing capability and a great team. We intend to serve our clients with applications ranging from satellite thrusters to thrusters for defense applications,” Helene Huby, CEO and Founder of The Exploration Company.

TEC in-house products have been developed to support our programmes and operational needs, giving full control over performance, quality, and technological differentiation. Beyond their internal value, these products now represent a strong commercial opportunity with external customers facing similar technical and operational challenges.

By opening these products to the market, TEC transforms a purely internal capability into a tangible competitive asset, able to generate growth, reinforce innovation profile, and enhance resilience in a rapidly evolving commercial landscape. Thrustwork is aligned with this approach.

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