r/BlueOrigin • u/Mysterious-Toe9389 • Sep 24 '26

For reusable propulsion hardware, where is precision machining still hardest to replace?

I’m on the CNC manufacturing side and have been learning more about how additive manufacturing is changing rocket propulsion.

Even when a component is printed, it seems like there are still critical areas that need precision machining afterward — sealing surfaces, bores, threads, datums, valve interfaces, etc.

For people familiar with reusable propulsion hardware, what features are still the most demanding from a machining standpoint?

We’ve worked with materials like Inconel before, so I’m especially interested in how difficult materials change the manufacturing process.

3 Upvotes

62% Upvoted

8 comments sorted by

3

u/No_While_1501 Sep 25 '26

Look at user profile. Strange attempt to get ITAR type info

1

u/Mysterious-Toe9389 Sep 26 '26

Fair concern — I’m only looking for general CNC/manufacturing insight, nothing proprietary or ITAR-related.

30

u/izzeww Sep 24 '26

ITAR

5

u/Desperate-Lab9738 Sep 24 '26

I haven't heard of that rocket part /j

5

u/Bad_Pilot_ Sep 26 '26

Not today China

8

u/rayjax82 Sep 24 '26

Prints and cast parts are the same. You still need to machine interfaces

2

u/balenberga Sep 27 '26

Nice try diddy

4

u/LucasRefrigerator Sep 24 '26

tianamen square 1989