AIMEN PRODUCES FIRST 3D-PRINTED CRYOGENIC HYDROGEN TANK FOR FUTURE AIRCRAFT

The AIMEN Technology Centre has successfully manufactured Spain’s first 3D-printed cryogenic tank demonstrator, designed to store liquid hydrogen (LH₂) for use in next-generation aircraft. The development is part of the European project OVERLEAF, led by Spanish aerospace company ACITURRI, which aims to deliver more efficient and sustainable solutions for future aviation.

The tank features a dual-structure design: an inner thermoplastic liner capable of withstanding temperatures below -250 ºC, and an outer carbon fiber shell that ensures structural resistance. AIMEN was responsible for producing the internal component using large-format, high-precision additive manufacturing technology, which is among the most advanced in the country.

The 1.5-meter-diameter part was manufactured inside a robotic cell developed by AIMEN, equipped with high-performance 3D printing systems and infrared heating to guarantee proper layer bonding. The process required over 100 continuous hours of printing, monitored in real time using thermal imaging systems.

Material development was also a key element of the project. In partnership with French research center CANOE, AIMEN contributed to the development of a bio-based thermoplastic reinforced with natural fibers, offering a lightweight, durable and environmentally friendly alternative for structural components.

This achievement represents a critical advance toward decarbonized aviation, introducing technologies that reduce structural weight while supporting the use of hydrogen as a clean energy carrier. It also underscores the role of additive manufacturing as a strategic enabler for innovation in high-performance sectors such as aerospace

With this milestone, AIMEN strengthens its position as a European leader in advanced manufacturing, showcasing its expertise in robotics, composite materials, and additive processes for the industrial transformation of strategic sectors.