Boeing just signed a contract with Norwegian company Norsk Titanium for the supply of printed on a 3D printer titanium parts for Boeing-787 Dreamliner. Despite the seeming still the exoticism of 3D printing technology, its application in the Assembly will save Boeing $ 3 million on each car.
While the assortment of 3D printed parts is limited to four, but by next year it may be extended. The benefit is obvious for both parties, as Boeing intends to produce annually up to 144 “Dreamliners”.
3D printing in the aviation industry is no longer news. Last year, General Electric established a special unit dedicated to the study and implementation of 3D metallotrejderami that includes projects on the use of printed parts for jet engines Cessna Denali and mini-jet engines. It’s not limited to aviation. NASA actively working on the implementation of the printed parts in rocket engines and has achieved some success.
Savings are achieved due to the fact that a 3D printer in layers manufactures one-piece part without additional machining, welding of the individual fragments and virtually no waste.