Airbus chooses Stratasys system to 3D print components for new aircraft

Stratasys has been chosen by Airbus to supply 3D printing and additive manufacturing systems for the production of components for aerospace company’s new plane. 

Airbus has already used the Stratasys FDM 3D Production System to produce 1,000 flight parts for use on its A350 XWB aircraft.

The 3D printed parts use a resin called Ultem 9085, which is certified to an Airbus material specifications to have a high strength to weight ratio and to be resistant to flame, smoke and toxicity – necessary for aircraft interiors. 

Stratasys says its system will enable Airbus to manufacture strong, lighter weight parts while substantially reducing production time and manufacturing costs.

Dan Yalon, executive vice president, business development, marketing and vertical solutions for Stratasys, says: “Both companies share a vision of applying innovative technologies to design and manufacturing to create game-changing benefits.

“Our additive manufacturing solutions can produce complex parts on-demand, ensuring on time delivery while streamlining supply chains.

“Additive manufacturing also greatly improves the buy-to-fly ratio as significantly less material is wasted than with conventional manufacturing methods.

“Stratasys is looking forward to bringing these and other advantages to its collaboration with Airbus and to being part of Airbus’ Factory of the Future initiative.”

The Airbus deal is the latest success for Stratasys, which also signed a collaboration deal with industrial design software giant Dassault Systèmes a few months ago.

Dassault Systèmes’ applications – such as Catia, Simulia, and others – are used to design a large proportion of the world’s planes and road-going vehicles.

The company is making a big push into the 3D printing and additive manufacturing sector and a link-up with companies like Stratasys is key piece of the jigsaw puzzle.

Scott Berkey, CEO, Simulia, Dassault Systèmes, says: “For additive manufacturing to reach its true potential, engineers need tools that will allow them to harness the virtually limitless geometric freedom that it provides.

“By fully simulating the unique characteristics of the FDM [fused deposition modeling] process, we’re able to bring unprecedented accuracy and speed to the design and validation process.

“We’re pleased to be partnering with Stratasys to bring these critical capabilities to customers.”

Jon Stevenson, senior VP global software, Stratasys, says: “Stratasys shares Dassault Systèmes’ vision for a fully integrated, end-to-end design to additive manufacturing solution.

“This partnership brings Stratasysone step closer to that vision with high performance simulation tools that accurately represent the fused deposition model process.

“We believe the solution’s predictive capabilities and efficient workflow will significantly expand the range of parts that can be confidently produced with Stratasys FDM-based 3D printing solutions.

“These are already being used to create production parts by companies like United Launch Alliance, Opel, Volvo Trucks and Daihatsu.”