Arconic, Airbus Partner on Metal 3D Printing for Aircraft

 

Arconic has entered a multi-year cooperative research agreement with Airbus to advance metal 3D printing for aircraft manufacturing. Together, the companies will work to develop processes and parameters to produce and qualify large, structural, 3D-printed components, such as pylon spars and rib structures as large as approximately 1 meter (3 feet) in length.

The deal combines Arconic’s expertise in metal additive manufacturing and metallurgy with Airbus’ design and qualification capabilities, as well as its experience with regulatory agencies for certification.

To print parts, Arconic will use electron beam high-deposition-rate technology, which is suited for larger aerospace components because it is said to print up to 100 times faster than processes used for smaller, more intricate parts. The company also plans to apply its Ampliforge process, which treats near-complete 3D-printed parts using an advanced manufacturing process, such as forging, to enhance part properties. It is said to increase toughness, fatigue and strength over parts made solely by additive manufacturing, while reducing material input and production lead times.