From the development of 3D printing technology to the ability to manufacture finished parts, the first industry to benefit from this process is undoubtedly the aerospace field.
1. 3D printing XB-1 supersonic aircraft titanium alloy parts
XB-1 is a supersonic aircraft launched by Boom Supersonic at the end of 2020. Its flight speed is comparable to that of the Concorde that has been out of service (a few supersonic passenger aircraft). Once the XB-1 was launched, it attracted the attention of the industry. First, there are not many supersonic commercial airliners. Second, it uses a large number of 3D printed parts. The whole machine uses a total of 21 3D printed titanium alloy zeros. Components, these components are all manufactured using Velo3D's sapphire metal printer, used in engines and environmental control systems.
2. Norsk Titanium provides parts for Boeing 787
In December 2020, Norsk Titanium announced that it will deliver new 787 Dreamliner components to Boeing. The rapid plasma deposition process (RPD) used by Norsk is an FAA-certified OEM-qualified additive manufacturing process. It can be used for aerospace, defense, and Commercial customers save a lot of delivery time and save costs. This delivery is Norsk's third customer in the growing commercial aviation structure sector, and it also means that Norsk has won the first recurring production order from an EU aerospace company.
3. 3D printed runway mat
The runway mat is an auxiliary facility used by the Air Force during expeditions. Through the runway mat, a temporary take-off and landing runway can be laid on flat ground to increase the combat distance of the aircraft. Traditionally, the U.S. military relied on portable runways and assembled them with aluminum plate pads. Under a $1 million grant, the Indiana Technology and Manufacturing Company of the United States and Purdue University have cooperated to develop a 3D printed runway mat with a honeycomb structure, which is convenient for splicing, lightweight, small splicing gaps, strong and durable Etc.
4. 3D printer cabin parts for private jets
Cabin Management Solutions (CMS) is a company engaged in aircraft maintenance and repair, mainly for private aircraft. In the process of maintaining the aircraft, CMS found that many parts have been discontinued. To solve this problem, they adopted 3D printing technology. At present, they have 3D printed more than 100 parts, such as switch panels, temperature controller panels, buttons, etc. The material used is flame-retardant micro-carbon fiber-filled nylon, and has passed the FAA standard component certification.
5. 3D printed fighter aircraft door parts
SAAB is a Swedish aerospace and defense company that has been using additive manufacturing technology in the production process to manufacture internal components for its fighter jets. 3D printing can create and repair parts while saving time and costs. Last March, the company conducted the first test flight of 3D-printed parts. This is a hatch made of nylon that can withstand outdoor conditions. Ultimately, Saab hopes to find more durable materials, especially related to the severe cold in high-altitude areas, and hopes to develop a mobile 3D printing system to take it to different bases.
6. 3D printing Airbus A320ceo discontinued parts
Satair is a Danish company that has been producing aircraft components since 2011. The company used additive manufacturing technology last year to provide a customer with certified metal 3D prints. 3D printing is used to manufacture the wingtip fence of the A320ceo aircraft, and suppliers usually no longer provide this part. According to Satair, this design approach reduces costs by 45% while providing flexibility.
7. 3D printing Airbus A320ceo discontinued parts
Satair is a Danish company that has been producing aircraft components since 2011. The company used additive manufacturing technology last year to provide a customer with certified metal 3D prints. 3D printing is used to manufacture the wingtip fence of the A320ceo aircraft, and suppliers usually no longer provide this part. According to Satair, this design approach reduces costs by 45% while providing flexibility.
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