Message posted on
25 June 2024 by HIVE
On June 25, 2024, the civil-military MRO&U Cluster Woensdrecht organized a knowledge session on Additive Manufacturing (AM)/3D Printing, with contributions from Kiamco Consultancy, Aeronamic, and Fokker Services Group. AM offers advantages such as fast delivery, freedom of form, efficient use of materials, and opportunities for smart repairs. Although its application in aerospace is still limited, experts expect it to increase with the transition to more sustainable aviation.
Additive Manufacturing/3D Printing technologies discussed ranged from Laser Powder Bed Fusion for metals to SLS and FDM for polymers. Aeronamic has invested in its own AM knowledge in recent years and now works with the technology for production and repair, in collaboration with the Air Force and OEMs. The consistency achieved in material purity and properties is higher than with conventional processes. Fokker Services Group currently uses AM for non-critical and non-structural parts, such as interior parts and ECS components.
In the long term, there are certainly opportunities for the use of AM/3D printing technology in MRO. The role of the OEM or another party that can grant Design Organisation Approval (DOA) is essential in this regard. The next step is to investigate within the cluster what resources and developments are available and how we can further build and share expertise. Connections with knowledge centers in the Dutch Brainport and Brightlands regions, as well as affiliation with the NAG Special Interest Group Additive Manufacturing and the AMIFY knowledge platform, can a
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