A new company is targeting the growing aerospace sector with the help of SLM Solutions additive manufacturing technology and a two-year investment plan.
Sintavia, established by Florida-based private equity firm Neff Capital Management LLC, will focus on the production of parts for aerospace and defence OEMs by implementing the German additive manufacturing leader’s Selective Laser Melting machines.
Over the next two years, Neff Capital will invest $10 million into Sintavia to support its additive manufacturing capabilities and quality control standards required by the growing aerospace sector. Currently, the company plans to install three SLM 280HL dual laser systems at its headquarters in Davie, Florida, which will each provide the company with a build envelope of 280 x 280 x 350 mm. In addition, the company will maintain a cutting-edge metallurgical and metrology lab to ensure additively manufactured parts are inspected thoroughly and meet the acute expectations from the industry.
SLM 280HL
“We are excited to be a part of the coming industrial revolution within the aerospace and defence industry,” explained, Brian Neff, Managing Partner of Neff Capital Management. “Over the next few years, as more and more production is shifted to additive manufacturing within this industry, serial manufacturers with exceptional quality control, like Sintavia, will be in high demand by the OEMs.”
Additive manufacturing is proving to be a valuable manufacturing method in the aerospace sector due to its lightweight properties and ability to reimagine traditional parts to increase their longevity. A recent study funded by the U.S. Department of Energy Advanced Manufacturing Office demonstrated that aircraft weight can be reduced by 7% with additive manufacturing and several key aerospace thought leaders such as Boeing and Airbus have experienced game-changing results through implementation of these advanced methods. Take a look at TCT's in-depth report on the latest 3D printing developments in the aerospace sector.
Neff, added: “Within 20 years, there will be a seismic shift in how we manufacture for the aerospace and defence industry. However, producers who do not understand or are incapable of producing parts with repetitive quality will not play a role in the OEM supply chain.”
