Premium Aerotec is planning to employ additive layer manufacturing technology – commonly known as 3D printing – for regular component production from 2016.
The German aerostructures manufacturer and Airbus subsidiary has installed equipment for the 3D printing process which can be employed for the production of metallic components using aluminium, steel and titanium.
Having evaluated additive layer manufacturing since 2010, Premium Aerotec plans to initially trial the system and to start using it for serial component production in 2016.
The new technology will make fabrication of complex components more efficient, and extend production possibilities beyond the limitations of conventional techniques. However, Premium Aerotec says additive layer manufacturing will complement rather than replace traditional metal-milling processes.