- 3D printing enables lightweight construction and helps save fuel.
TRUMPF, the German industrial machine manufacturing company, announced that Airbus Helicopters, the company’s helicopter manufacturing division, will use TRUMPF TruPrint 3D printers to manufacture components for its helicopters and Airbus aircraft. With the opening of a new 3D printing centre in Donauwörth, Germany, Airbus Helicopters is expanding its additive manufacturing capabilities and TRUMPF will provide the metal 3D printing machines.
“With innovative manufacturing processes, we are working on the helicopters of the future in Donauwörth. Among other things, 3D printing helps reduce the weight of components. That helps aircraft operators reduce fuel consumption and thus lower their costs. It can also help reduce CO2 emissions in flight.
– Helmut Färber, Site Manager of Airbus Helicopters in Donauwörth
Färber continued, “Airbus Helicopters will use the 3D printing process to produce components for the electric-powered CityAirbus, the experimental high-speed Racer helicopter and the Airbus A350 and A320 passenger aircraft, among others.”
TRUMPF TruPrint 3D Printers for lightweight construction
Regarding the TruPrint 3D printers, Richard Bannmüller, CEO TRUMPF Laser and System Technology, stated that TRUMPF is a trustworthy partner to the global aviation industry. TRUMPF TruPrint 3D printers are a critical technology on the path to sustainable flying, reducing reliance on long supply chains.
Using additive manufacturing, entire assemblies can be printed as a single component. This reduces weight. At the same time, the components are extremely stable and meet the aviation industry’s stringent safety requirements. TRUMPF 3D printers are used by Airbus Helicopters to manufacture structural components made of titanium and high-strength aluminium.
Bannmüller added, “Additive manufacturing saves expensive raw material and can lower production costs in the aviation industry. 3D printers only use the material that designers actually need for their components and that ends up taking off in the aircraft.”
Users of 3D printing can also re-use unused metal powder. Traditional manufacturing processes, on the other hand, necessitate up to ten times the amount of raw material as the final product. As a result, much of the raw material is wasted when milling or chipping.
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