The AIMEN Technology Centre (Spain) 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.