Airbus S.A.S 2014
Airbus A320 plane
Arconic will supply 3D-printed ducting components for the A320 family of aircraft.
Airbus has agreed a series of deals with advanced manufacturing company, Arconic, who will supply the aircraft manufacturer with 3D-printed metal components for its commercial planes.
Arconic will supply 3D-printed parts made from high temperature nickel superalloys and 3D printed titanium airframe parts in two separate deals.
These recent agreements build on prior dealings from earlier in the year. In April, Arconic agreed to supply 3D-printed titanium fuselage and engine pylon components for Airbus’ commercial aircraft.
“We’re proud to deepen our partnership with Airbus through these agreements,” said Klaus Kleinfeld, Chairman and CEO of Arconic. “Airbus’ confidence in our additive manufacturing capabilities is grounded in Arconic’s comprehensive strengths – from aerospace know-how to metals powder production and product qualification expertise. We are pleased to support our customers and pave the way to the future of aerospace manufacturing.”
Arconic will supply 3D-printed ducting components for the A320 family of aircraft. Advanced nickel superalloys, which will be used to produce the components, will offer superior heat resistance. This will allow for hot air to be transmitted from the aero engine to other parts of the airframe.
Under a second deal, but for the same family of aircraft, Arconic will supply 3D-printed titanium airframe brackets, also for the A320 platform. Arconic is expecting to deliver the first set of parts for both agreements in the second quarter of 2017.
Airbus
Airbus A320 family
The Airbus A320 family. From top to bottom: A321; A320; A319; A318
Meanwhile, Airbus has further increased its additive manufacturing potential by installing a Sciaky Electron Beam Additive Manufacturing (EBAM) 110 System. Sciaky’s EBAM process utilises a fully articulated, electron beam gun to deposit metal via wire feedstock, layer by layer, until the part reaches near net-shape.
The system accommodates titanium, tantalum, niobium, stainless steels, among other metals and refractory alloys, with gross deposition rates from 7-20lbs of metal per hour. Offering a work envelope of 70” x 47” x 63” in a 110” cube chamber, the EBAM 110 will extend the range of parts available to be printed.
"Sciaky is very proud to partner with a world-class innovator like Airbus," said Bob Phillips, VP of marketing for Sciaky Inc. "We all know that metal 3D printing technology is going to revolutionise manufacturing in the aerospace industry and Sciaky is committed to being at the forefront of this movement."
