Printing 3D polymer parts for use on aircrafts

Stratasys Direct Manufacturing selected by airbus to 3D print polymer serial flying A350 XWB parts

  • Printing 3D polymer parts for use on aircrafts
    Printing 3D polymer parts for use on aircrafts
  • Printing 3D polymer parts for use on aircrafts
    Printing 3D polymer parts for use on aircrafts

Stratasys Direct Manufacturing, a subsidiary of Stratasys Ltd. and one of the world’s largest 3D printing and advanced manufacturing service providers, has been chosen by Airbus to produce 3D printed polymer parts for use on A350 XWB aircraft. The company will print non-structural parts such as brackets, and other parts used for system installation, on Stratasys FDM production 3D Printers using ULTEM™ 9085 material. The project will help Airbus achieve greater supply chain flexibility and improve cost competitiveness, while leveraging on reduced material consumption and waste.

Capacity and infrastructure

Stratasys Direct Manufacturing’s 3D printing capacity and infrastructure allow printing and shipping parts on demand to Airbus, bringing the expected reactivity, tighter turnaround times and lower inventory costs.

“We are proud to work with Airbus to continually advance 3D printing in aerospace applications,” said Joe Allison, CEO of Stratasys Direct Manufacturing. “Our expertise in building parts ready for installation on the aircraft, along with our unique process controls and quality procedures, will allow Airbus to improve competitiveness, leveraging on the technical benefits of 3D printing.”

A history of collaboration

Stratasys, the parent company of Stratasys Direct Manufacturing, and Airbus share a history of collaboration, having worked together since 2013 on the implementation of 3D printing FDM technology for Airbus tools and flying parts applications. This collaboration led to the qualification in 2014 of ULTEM 9085 material for the production of flying parts on Airbus aircrafts. Since 2015, Airbus has installed thousands of FDM flying parts on aircrafts.

Marta Roberti graduated in Linguistic Sciences at the Catholic University of Milan in February 2016. At the same University, she also obtained a Master in Publishing for Print and Digital Media in November 2016. Since June 2016 she is part of the editorial staff of IEN Europe and IEN Italia in TIMGlobal Media.
 

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