Stratasys
Stratasys BAE
Ian Barton, Head of Strategy & Investment Planning, BAE Systems; Andrew Schofield, Head of Manufacturing & Materials Engineering, BAE Systems; Yann Rageul, Head of Strategic Accounts for EMEA at Stratasys; and Simon Whitaker, Technology Operations Manager at BAE Systems.
Stratasys is to provide BAE Systems with ‘increased access’ to new additive manufacturing (AM) technologies and materials after strengthening their relationship.
BAE Systems has been a customer of Stratasys since 2006, housing both PolyJet and Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) processes, including a number of F900 Production printers installed at its advanced manufacturing site in Samlesbury, England. The company deploys additive technologies within its land, maritime and air sectors, and will now have early access to Stratasys material and hardware products which are planned or currently under development.
Stratasys, meanwhile, is hoping to garner ‘dedicated insight and guidance’ from BAE Systems to better understand its existing and future needs, and action its research and development efforts accordingly.
“Stratasys’ close cooperation and knowledge-share with strategic customers like BAE Systems is paramount to ensuring we continue to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to developing and delivering additive manufacturing solutions that meet exacting application requirements within key industries,” commented Yann Rageul, Head of Strategic Accounts for EMEA at Stratasys. “We look forward to strengthening our ties and working even more closely with BAE Systems to help realise their short-term and long-term manufacturing objectives.”
BAE Systems has been a long-time user of additive manufacturing technologies, including both polymer and metal powder bed fusion platforms, and is now producing thousands of components a year. Much of this work is done in Samlesbury, where in 2017 it opened a New Product and Process Development Centre. This facility focuses on 3D printing and virtual reality, and the potential to harness these technologies to streamline manufacturing operations and save costs. Through this new agreement, it is likely to be home to some new innovations from Stratasys in the near future.
“We’re delighted to bolster our relationship with such an innovative partner as Stratasys,” said Dave Holmes, Manufacturing Director at BAE Systems Air. “Already integrated across our production operations, Stratasys’ technology will continue to be vital in addressing and solving our current and future manufacturing challenges.”
