New 3D printed parts will be added on the Airbus A350 XWB aircraft in partnership with the Stratasys Asia Pacific, a subsidiary of Stratasys Ltd. Airbus has produced more than 1000 flight parts on its Stratasys FDM 3D Production Systems for the A350 XWB aircraft. The 3D printed parts has been used in place of traditionally manufactured parts to increase supply chain flexibility.
Stratasys also state that the additive manufacturing enables original and replacement parts to be digitally produced at the best-suited locations, reducing both material waste and inventory requirements.
Airbus also initiated development and certification of 3D printing with Stratasys in 2013 as a schedule risk reduction activity that proved valuable for the A350 XWB program, highlighting a key benefit of 3D printing in the manufacturing industry.
The parts are 3D printed using ULTEM 9085 resin for FDM, which is certified to an Airbus material specification. ULTEM 9085 resin provides high strength-to-weight ratio and is FST (flame, smoke, and toxicity) compliant for aircraft interior applications. This enables Airbus to manufacture strong, lighter weight parts while substantially reducing production time and manufacturing costs.
“We are delighted that Stratasys additive manufacturing solutions are being adopted by Airbus for its flagship A350 XWB aircraft. Both companies share a vision of applying innovative technologies to design and manufacturing to create game-changing benefits,” said Dan Yalon, Executive Vice President, Business Development, Marketing & Vertical Solutions for Stratasys.
