VIENNA, Austria, Sep 12, 2025 – Lithoz is working within the TRIATHLON project to develop a 3D-printed aluminum nitride (AIN) heat exchanger (HEX) for hydrogen-electric propulsion systems in megawatt-class aircraft. The component is designed to improve thermal efficiency, reduce maintenance, lower operational costs, and support decarbonization efforts in aviation.
Ergon Research designed the application based on thermodynamics-driven control management. It uses Lithoz’s LCM (Lithography-based Ceramic Manufacturing) CeraFab system printers and materials for scalable production. Within the TRIATHLON program, the ceramic design removes the need for energy-intensive cryogenic hydrogen pumps. The system uses AIN for its thermal expansion and thermal conductivity of 211 W/mK. These choices improve thermal efficiency and support a lighter system architecture for electrified aviation.
Lithoz’ ceramics are used in aerospace and other demanding applications. LCM-printed AIN provides thermal and mechanical resistance and remains stable in hydrogen below 600 C. These properties allow high surface-area designs and effective thermal conductivity for hydrogen-electric systems. Lithoz’s LCM technology supports internal channels and geometry-optimized parts to enable heat exchange in limited space.
Dr. Johannes Homa, CEO of Lithoz, commented: “This is a breakthrough application of our ceramic 3D printing technology in a completely new field. Aerospace and sustainability are key growth areas for Lithoz, so achieving serial production with aluminum nitride is a significant milestone for these sectors. This material opens up design and application possibilities that no one else can currently realize, making a decisive contribution to a greener future in aviation through ceramic AM.”
Source: Lithoz
About TRIATHLON
TRIATHLON is a Horizon Europe research and innovation project launched in January 2024 to develop hydrogen-electric powertrains for megawatt-class aircraft. Coordinated by the Materials Innovation Institute (M2i) and Delft University of Technology, the project brings together eight partners from six European countries. It has a budget of about €4M and is planned to run for 48 months. TRIATHLON focuses on hydrogen conditioning, thermal management, hybrid energy storage and integration of powertrain components to improve reliability, lower emissions and reduce maintenance needs in large aircraft. The project is based in the Netherlands and functions as a collaborative research effort.
About Lithoz
Lithoz, founded in 2011 and headquartered in Vienna, Austria, specializes in developing and producing ceramic 3D printers and materials. The company serves various industries, including aerospace, automotive, jewelry, medical, and dental sectors. Lithoz’s proprietary Lithography-based Ceramic Manufacturing (LCM) technology enables the production of precise and reliable ceramic components suitable for applications ranging from casting-core to medical-grade bioceramics. As of 2025, Lithoz employs approximately 150 people. The company has secured grants and investments from the European Union and the EIC Fund. Lithoz’s commitment to quality is underscored by its ISO 9001:2015 certification, reflecting its dedication to continuous improvement and customer satisfaction.