The test subjected parts to 2,000 cycles of extreme temperature shifts (alternating between +125°C and -40°C). In each cycle, the parts were held at -40°C for 5 minutes and then transferred to a 125°C environment within 10s, and vice verse. This kind of temperature shock is a commonly used substitute for the rapid temperature changes that satellites in low earth orbits encounter when they transition from unprotected exposure to the sun into the earth’s shadow.

(1st December 2025, Karlsruhe, Germany) Horizon Microtechnologies has announced the successful completion of a high-stress temperature shock test, proving that its proprietary metallised micro-3D printed components can survive one of the most extreme environmental challenges in spaceflight and terrestrial applications without performance loss.

The test subjected parts to 2,000 cycles of extreme temperature shifts (alternating between +125°C and -40°C). In each cycle, the parts were held at -40°C for 5 minutes and then transferred to a 125°C environment within 10s, and vice verse. This kind of temperature shock is a commonly used substitute for the rapid temperature changes that satellites in low earth orbits encounter when they transition from unprotected exposure to the sun into the earth's shadow.

Most critically, parts retained full electrical conductivity and showed no signs of mechanical degradation, including no delamination or cracking between the metal coating and the polymer substrate. The tests included both previously irradiated and non-irradiated samples to give an even closer resemblance of the conditions actually encountered in space, where parts are exposed to different kinds of radiation that can have a potentially damaging effect on them. Both sets of samples performed identically, demonstrating the robustness of Horizon's platform.
"This is a huge step," says Andreas Frölich, CEO of Horizon Microtechnologies. "We've always known our coating and passivation technologies were robust, but now we've proven they can withstand one of the harshest qualification tests used in space applications which potential users were rightfully sceptical about before our testing campaign. This validation now replaces theoretical analysis with hard evidence."

Horizon's approach to manufacturing combines ultra-precise micro additive manufacturing (micro-AM) with highly conductive metallic coatings applied using a proprietary process. The result? Components with the electrical performance of solid metal at a fraction of the weight, ideal for mm-wave, RF, and satellite hardware where every gram counts.

"Reliability in orbit starts with qualification on Earth," Frölich continues. "We're systematically proving our technology under conditions such as thermal shock, humidity, radiation, vibration, and outgassing that have caused other solutions to fail. And we're sharing these results transparently."
This temperature shock test follows other recent qualification wins, all part of Horizon's broader campaign to provide flight-ready technology to the new space ecosystem.

"Passing this test shows our proprietary coating stays adhered and functional, even under repeated thermal extremes," Frölich concludes. "With each test passed, we're making it easier for engineers to trust and adopt lightweight, high-performance micro-AM components in real missions."

Horizon will be presenting its technology and these results at Space Tech Expo Europe, Booth Q27, in Bremen. The company is actively engaging with satellite primes, smallsat developers, and new space ventures seeking reliable, high-frequency components with unmatched weight savings.

www.horizonmicrotechnologies.com