Stratasys direct manufacturing selected by airbus to 3D Print polymer serial flying A350 XWB parts
Stratasys will make 3D printed polymer parts for Airbus’ A350 XWB aircraft. The company will print non-structural parts such as brackets, and other parts used for system installation, on Stratasys FDM production 3D Printers using ULTEM 9085 material. It says the project will help Airbus achieve greater supply chain flexibility and improve cost competitiveness, while leveraging on reduced material consumption and waste.
Joe Allison, CEO of Stratasys Direct Manufacturing, said: “We are proud to work with Airbus to continually advance 3D printing in aerospace applications. Our expertise in building parts ready for installation on the aircraft, along with our unique process controls and quality procedures, will allow Airbus to improve competitiveness, leveraging on the technical benefits of 3D printing.”
Stratasys and Airbus have worked together since 2013 on the implementation of 3D printing FDM technology for Airbus tools and flying parts applications. This collaboration led to the qualification in 2014 of ULTEM 9085 material to produce flying parts on Airbus aircrafts. Since 2015, Airbus has installed thousands of FDM flying parts on aircrafts.
FDM Printed internal brackets for Airbus