From CAD to Space: TAM3D’s Role in Support Thailand’s CubeSats with NARIT

Getting a spacecraft ready for orbit isn’t just rocket science - it’s precision engineering on Earth. When the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT) set out to develop its next-generation CubeSat platforms, they needed a manufacturing partner who could deliver high-precision aerospace parts with tight tolerances, rapid lead times, and space-grade quality.

That’s where TAM3D came in.

The Mission

NARIT’s CubeSat program aims to advance Thailand’s capabilities in space-based observation, communication, and scientific research. The CubeSat frames - 3U and 6U configurations - serve as the structural backbone, housing payloads for space weather detection, Langmuir probes, and other scientific instruments.

Every component had to meet aerospace-grade standards for weight, strength, and thermal stability — all while withstanding the harsh vibrations of rocket launch and the extreme temperature cycles in Low Earth Orbit (LEO).

Why NARIT Chose TAM3D

• Experience with high-mix, low-volume production — ideal for custom space hardware.
• Digital quoting and instant feedback — enabling rapid design iteration.
• Precision CNC machining in aerospace-grade aluminum alloys (Al 6061, Al 7075).
• Anodizing & protective coatings for space durability.

By uploading CAD models to TAM3D’s instant quoting platform, NARIT’s engineers could see manufacturing costs, lead times, and feedback within minutes - speeding up the entire R&D cycle.

The Engineering Challenge

Building CubeSat frames isn’t just cutting metal. It requires:

• Weight optimization while maintaining stiffness.
• Machining thin walls without distortion.
• Perfect alignment of mounting interfaces for payload and solar panels.
• Consistent repeatability for multiple units.

TAM3D employed 5-axis CNC machining to achieve complex geometries with fewer setups, ensuring structural accuracy down to ±0.02 mm tolerances.

From Prototype to Space-Ready

In the early phases, TAM3D delivered rapid prototypes for fit and vibration testing. Once validated, the same production workflow scaled up to flight-ready frames.

• Material: Aluminum 6061-T6 (main structure), Aluminum 7075-T73 (critical load areas)
• Finish: Black anodized for thermal control and surface protection

The Result

Thanks to this agile manufacturing partnership, NARIT successfully assembled its CubeSat platforms - now serving as testbeds for Thailand’s growing space research ambitions.

TAM3D’s work didn’t just help build satellites; it helped build national capability in space engineering.

Beyond the Horizon

With this success, TAM3D is continuing to support aerospace and research organizations in rapid prototyping, flight hardware manufacturing, and mission-ready part delivery. Whether for Earth observation, communications, or deep space science — we’re ready to help turn your CAD file into a spacecraft component.

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