Additive Manufacturing (AM), otherwise known as 3D printing, is becoming an increasingly important manufacturing approach in Aviation and Aerospace. Offering the advantages of more flexible digital designs, advanced lightweight materials, greater functionality and shorter lead times, AM is replacing conventional methods of manufacturing commercial and military aircraft parts.
Airbus has embraced it. So, too has Boeing. Honeywell and GE are leading innovators in AM. In fact, GE states its GE9X engine features over 300 3D-printed parts and Boeing flies more than 70,000 3D-printed production parts. New Mexico-based Optomec has developed a process in which a high-performance metal structure is built up, either in the form of a fully printed part or as a local deposit onto an existing component to repair it.
The ability to construct a precision part by adding layer upon layer of advanced metal alloys, composites and other materials based on CAD designs leads to a whole host of benefits: assemblies with fewer parts, lighter weight products, quicker time to delivery, improved part functionality, and all at lower cost.
In turn, these benefits lead to lead to greener aircraft boasting increased energy savings and reduced carbon emissions, parts-on-demand capability that reduces inventory expenses, and prolonged aircraft life thanks to the ability to replace critical parts long out of production, resulting in a bigger return on investment.
Are you prepared for the 3D printing wave? Who is leading your organization’s Additive Manufacturing effort? Don’t let this transformational technology pass you by. Get the talent you need to see you through this new industrial revolution. Talk to NorthStar.
