| European aviation giant Airbus has long been at the forefront of implementing 3D printing technology in manufacturing processes. In addition to rapid prototyping, there have been over 1,000 kinds of final production plastics and metal parts used in various aircrafts since 2015, including The A350 and A320. The company recently reached yet another milestone as it first introduced its first 3D printing unit and installed a 3D printed isolator in the cabin of the A320 jet aircraft operated by Finnair.  Spacers are used when updating the layout of the aircraft cabin layout. When these modifications occur, due to changes in dimensions and other issues, gaps are often left between different parts and components, so the spacers help to bridge these gaps. A special 3D printing spacer will be used to fill the gap at the end of a row of overhead storage rooms. Passengers using the Finnair service will be able to see the new 3D printed spacers on the A320, while the previous 3D printed parts are only mounted behind the panel and hidden out of sight. The reason is that Airbus has adopted a strict aesthetic for its cabin. Standards. Compared with the engine design, the cabin looks like a trivial problem. However, the visual environment will have a huge impact on the comfort of passengers. Their perception of the quality of parts will affect their sense of security and self-confidence. Often considered a dangerous vehicle. 3D printed plastic parts sometimes look worse than they actually are, and Airbus wants to avoid passengers making such assumptions. Thanks to the advanced features of 3D printing technology, the design of the panel is much more complicated than previously used. It uses a bio-inspired lattice support structure, which reduces the weight by 15%. The same structure takes longer to produce using injection molding technology. , And because of the small number needed, the cost will be higher. This small batch production for modifying and replacing parts is a key area where 3D printing can provide huge advantages for aerospace manufacturing and maintenance. After the printing is completed, the spacers are colored, Both printed materials and coatings are highly flame-retardant.
Airbus cooperated with Belgian 3D expert Materialise to conduct a 3D printing project. The two companies have cooperated for more than two years. Airbus has also cooperated with Minnesota giant Stratasys and Dutch 3D printing company Additive Industries in the past to make full use of additive manufacturing capabilities. The advantages offered. Airbus last year made titanium brackets and a 3D printed hydraulic assembly. The company's metal AM subsidiary, APWorks, also committed to using 3D printing technology and advanced alloys called Scalmalloy to create lighter weight for its aircraft interiors. Partition, This is the world's largest 3D printed metal airplane component. Source: China 3D Printing Network |
 |
|