Stratasys
Stratasys Boom
Boom has utilised Stratasys 3D printing technology to produce composite tooling, and is now eyeing end use cabin parts.
Stratasys and Boom Supersonic have announced a seven-year extension to their partnership at Paris Air Show 2019.
The partners first announced their collaboration ahead of the same event two years ago as Boom Supersonic began to harness 3D printing technology into its XB-1 supersonic demonstrator aircraft production workflow. XB-1 is the prototype for the company’s Overture commercial airliner, which will carry between 55-75 passengers, and travel at around speeds of 1,500 miles per hour.
Boom is now working with the Stratasys F900 system with the Aircraft Interiors Solution (AIS) package, moving from producing prototypes and tooling components with the company’s F370 and Fortus 450mc, to end use cabin parts. The AIS has been designed to assist users of the F900 in getting parts and processes qualified, with documentation and training provided. Meanwhile, the F900 is among Stratasys’ largest fused deposition modelling (FDM) platforms, boasting a build volume of 914 x 609 x 914 mm. It also has the capability to process a range of thermoplastic grades enabling companies like Boom to advance from prototypes and tools to actual parts on the plane.
Stratasys
Stratasys Boom F900
Stratasys F900.
“By being able to print critical parts and components on-site rather than purchasing them from a supplier, we can create custom parts, increase our speed from engineering to manufacturing, and focus on building the aircraft and fulfilling our vision,” commented Mike Jagemann, Head of XB-1 Production at Boom. “During the first three years of our partnership, we 3D printed more than 200 parts for tooling, prototypes, and test benches using Stratasys’ F370 and Fortus 450mc 3D printers, and have saved hundreds of hours of work time, enabling rapid iteration of design cycles. Stratasys’ standing as a global leader in 3D printed aerospace applications made them an ideal partner for Boom, and we’re excited to extend this partnership long-term.”
“The team at Boom is doing something that’s never been achieved – successful mainstream supersonic airline travel. But the development of aircraft that can safely and efficiently travel at Mach 2.2 required a new approach to manufacturing processes,” added Rich Garrity, President Americas, Stratasys. “Working together, our teams have put the technology to work for efficient, reliable and repeatable prototypes, tooling and jigs and fixtures. Now, we’re ready to go further, for strong, durable, lightweight production-grade aircraft parts.”
