Collins Aerospace, an RTX subsidiary, announced the expansion of its additive manufacturing center in Iowa. The newly expanded facility, which spans 9,000 square feet and costs $14 million, will house cutting-edge metal 3D printers, significantly enhancing the company’s additive manufacturing capabilities.
This move allows the company to investigate novel production methods for engine components in both commercial and military aircraft. The addition of cutting-edge 3D metal printers, including one with eight times the build volume of existing machines, paves the way for further advancements in the manufacture of land-based turbine components.
Expansion of Additive Manufacturing Center in Iowa
The National Aerospace and Defence Contractors Accreditation Programme (NADCAP) certification of the West Des Moines facility for Additive Manufacturing solidifies the company’s reputation in the industry. Collins Aerospace is now one of only eight centres in the United States to have received this prestigious accreditation, solidifying its position as a market leader in additive manufacturing.
Renee Begley, the West Des Moines site lead for Collins Aerospace, emphasized the transformative potential of additive manufacturing in the aerospace and defense sectors. She stated, “Additive manufacturing has the potential to help us reduce weight, complexity, lead time, and cost in the parts we supply, and this expansion represents an investment in our business to help deliver those benefits to our customers.”
“Today’s expansion in West Des Moines is a testament to the commitment Collins Aerospace has made to our state, and we’re equally committed to providing the strong economic environment that will fuel its innovation here for decades more to come.”
– Kim Reynolds, Governor, Iowa state
Collins Aerospace maintains a global network of additive production centres in Iowa, Minnesota, North Carolina, and Singapore, as well as an additive research centre in Connecticut, with additive manufacturing taking centre stage in the company’s growth strategy. This expansion represents a significant advancement in the company’s additive manufacturing capabilities, with the potential to reshape the future of aerospace manufacturing.
The expansion of the Collins Aerospace additive manufacturing centre demonstrates the company’s commitment to advancing aerospace manufacturing capabilities, positioning it for future innovations in the field. The new facility will allow for the manufacture of cutting-edge components, contributing to the expansion of Iowa’s manufacturing landscape.
