Case Study: Lockheed Martin’s Advanced Technology Center achieves rapid prototyping for the James Webb Space Telescope with MakerBot

Lockheed Martin’s Advanced Technology Center - Customer Case Study

Lockheed Martin’s Advanced Technology Center (ATC) was contracted by NASA to develop the NIRCam for the James Webb Space Telescope, a system requiring rapid design iteration and parts that would undergo extreme cryogenic testing. To meet this challenge, ATC integrated MakerBot desktop 3D printing into its workflow, using the MakerBot Replicator 2 to speed prototyping and validate designs before committing to metal hardware.

Using the MakerBot Replicator 2, ATC printed more than 250 objects in the first quarter, enabling faster form‑and‑fit checks, more efficient cryogenic test planning, and reduced risk prior to fabricating flight‑grade components; these efforts contributed to completing NIRCam development ahead of the telescope’s multi‑year test campaign leading to the planned 2018 launch. MakerBot’s printers cut turnaround time for iterations and helped the team iterate on complex parts quickly and affordably.

Lockheed Martin’s Advanced Technology Center

John Camp

Mechanical Engineer