The 3D printing industry or additive manufacturing has come a long way. Having a profound impact on manufacturing and design, this innovative technology has helped a multitude of industries lower their production costs. Today, 3D printing is not just being used to create prototype jewelry, toys, or sporting goods, its use has expanded to other hi-tech industries as well, such as aerospace.
The multimillion-dollar aerospace industry has been embracing the 3D printing technology as an effective tool to lower costs, and improve the quality and efficiency of aircraft parts. From commercial planes to helicopters, fighter jets, space rockets and more, many leading aerospace companies have been using 3Dprinting for designing and developing mechanical parts – both prototype and functional.
These companies, including Boeing and NASA, have been using 3D printing to develop hard-to-make, advanced engines and other components as accurately as possible. While Boeing aircrafts, including the Dreamliner, have been using over 20,000 3D printed parts, NASA has been using the technology in rocket and shuttle production. The technology, no doubt, has brought several benefits to the table for the aerospace sector. Some of these advantages include:
Design
When it comes to designing complex geometrical structures for aircrafts, additive manufacturing gives designers room for flexibility and experimentation. It reduces the complexity of designing aerospace parts. In fact, 3D printing enables the creation of shapes previously deemed impossible to make. As compared to traditional manufacturing methods, designers can create customized aircraft components and explore fresh designs, thereby having an edge over their competitors.
Weight
One of the biggest concerns in aerospace, 3D printing enables the production of lightweight structure and components, especially engines. Light aircraft structure results in lower fuel consumption and improved efficiency level.
Durability
While lightweight aircraft structures are possible through 3Dprinting, durability is another key factor for the industry.
As compared to the conventional methods of manufacturing, 3D printing helps create lightweight yet robust and durable structures, which are resistant to temperature change. The use of 3D printing for creating aerospace structures leads to accurate, precise and high quality results.
Cost
Conventional aerospace manufacturing methods are more costly than 3D printing. Of course, this factor results in increased savings for the aircraft industry as a whole. As 3D printing enables the manufacture of lighter and better performing parts, it significantly reduces wastage of resources and saves fuel.
Hence, it is a far more cost-effective, and pragmatic option than conventional manufacturing. Furthermore, 3D printed airplane parts are environmentally friendly and reduce carbon emissions.
Speedy
With 3D printing technology, engineers can now develop prototype and functional aircraft parts in just a few weeks. In addition, the technology also allows engineers to update any part in seconds. Additive manufacturing, in other words, has the ability to drastically cut down production costs.
On the other hand, aircraft production using conventional methods can run into months, thereby adversely affecting a company’s efficiency level.
For the aerospace industry, the main goal for adopting 3D printing goes beyond using a hi-tech technology; rather the industry seeks to invest in 3D printing to deliver high value results at lower costs to make flying a safer experience. And further advancement in 3D printing will, no doubt, prove to be a game changer for the aerospace industry.
Although the industry has been relying on 3D printing, the 3D printing quality required should be the best. CADPrintWax is one such 3D printing firm that presents a vast choice of material to suit the needs and requirements of the aerospace industry. The company helps aerospace companies achieve perfection through cost-effective, high quality 3D prints, which are delivered in the least possible time.