The move has been made: Boeing will be the first airline to use 3D components for its passenger aircraft. The components will be made by Scandinavian company Norsk Titanium AS.
"We are proud to take this historic step with a major aerospace innovator like Boeing," said Warren M. Boley of Norsk Titanium. FAA has now certified the design the company made with Boeing for four 787 titanium parts. "Our team will continue to make every effort to expand our portfolio of components for Boeing that meet the specific certification requirements."
RPD
Norsk Titanium is using its patented Rapid Plasma Deposition method (RPD™) to 3D-print the components. According to the developer, this is the ultimate technology in additive manufacturing. Titanium wire is melted in a cloud of argon gas and accurately and quickly built up in layers to a near-perfect shape (80% complete) that requires little post-processing.
3D-printed titanium parts could reduce the price of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner by two to three million euros. This model requires more titanium than other models because of its carbon fibre fuselage and wings, and 3D printing brings down production costs. Norsk expects the FAA to approve the material properties and manufacturing process for the printed parts later this year. That will give the company the ability to print thousands of other parts for the Dreamliner without each component needing approval individually.
Innovation
Boeing builds some 144 Dreamliners a year. According to the aviation giant, Norsk's titanium components are the first printed structural components designed to withstand the pressure of the aircraft frame in flight. Norsk Titanium's printing technology is also a lot less polluting and consumes less energy. "The Boeing 787 has been characterised by innovation and efficiency since the beginning," Boeing said. "We are always looking for the latest technologies to bring costs down and offer our customers the best. Norsk Titanium's capabilities with RPD™ fit this in a new and creative way."
The RPD™ components for the Dreamliner will be on display at the International Air Show in Paris, Le Bourget. This is from 19 to 25 June.
By: Kelly Bakker
Source photos: Norsk Titanium
