Photocentric has launched CosmicMaker to develop LCD-based 3D printing systems for space manufacturing.
CosmicMaker builds on Photocentric’s additive manufacturing work since its founding in 2002. Photocentric commercialized the first LCD 3D printer in 2014 and patented an LCD 3D printing process for space use in 2020. The CosmicMaker platform was developed with support from the UK Space Agency through ESA’s BSGN program.
In April 2026, the CosmicMaker printer was tested aboard Novespace’s Airbus A310 Zero G aircraft. Across three parabolic flights, the system printed ceramic and polymer materials while operating in conditions ranging from 2g to microgravity.
The LCD printing process showed dimensional accuracy during the test flights. Photocentric said manufacturing in microgravity can reduce the need for support structures and improve the distribution of particle-rich materials.
The CosmicMaker platform is designed to produce parts from plastics, ceramics, metals and composite materials. The platform uses a lightweight, low-energy design for future space missions.
Source: Photocentric Group
About Photocentric Group
Photocentric Group is a British manufacturing technology company founded in 2002 and based in Peterborough, United Kingdom. The company designs and makes photopolymer resins, LCD-based 3D printers, robotic digital manufacturing machines and custom craft products. Its work also includes polymer stamp products, large-format 3D printing, 3D-printed batteries and additive manufacturing research for space applications. Photocentric serves manufacturers, 3D printing users, craft customers, research partners and organizations working on industrial production, materials development, batteries and space-related manufacturing. Its products and services support prototyping, production parts, resin development, craft stamp production and digital manufacturing projects. The company also operates in Avondale, AZ.
About CosmicMaker
CosmicMaker is a British space manufacturing technology company launched by Photocentric in 2026 and based in Peterborough, United Kingdom. The company develops LCD-based 3D printing systems for making parts in space and other low-gravity environments. Its platform uses an enclosed LCD printing process based on Photocentric’s patented 2020 process. CosmicMaker targets spacecraft, orbital stations, future lunar missions and research programs that need on-demand parts away from Earth. The system has been tested on Novespace’s Airbus A310 Zero G aircraft during parabolic flights. It printed ceramic and polymer materials in conditions ranging from 2g to microgravity. Photocentric says the platform can produce parts from plastics, ceramics, metals and composites. Supported materials include silicon carbide, alumina, thermoset plastics, stainless steel and titanium.
