Save Millions Per Plane Using Additive Manufacturing


Demand for air travel is increasing and will continue to do so in future. Sensing this, airline companies are placing orders for more airplanes to augment their capacities to meet this demand. When an airplane is made, it is not just the plane, but also the components which have to be manufactured as spares. The aircraft manufacturers have their kitty full with these orders for many years. The production process plays a very critical role in defining the cost of a plane. Any change in the production process, which could reduce the time of manufacturing, damage to environment and minimize wastages, will not only meet the demand well in time, but also be able to reduce the costs. Additive manufacturing concepts, based on the 3-D printing technology, is reshaping the airplane manufacturing industry. Let’s examine this in detail.

1.       On-demand faster production- With the help of 3-D printing technology, you have the ability to produce airplanes much faster than at any time in the past. Manufacturing can be done precisely when the airplane is needed.

This means that instead of having a series production to reduce the costs of airplane manufacturing, you have the ability to make the airplane whenever needed. This means that you do not have excess surplus with you.

If you do not excess, there is no need to have a storage for it as well.

2.       Components- One of the areas where this technology can make a significant impact is the creation of components of airplane which can help in meeting demand for repair and maintenance.

3.       Saving of materials-There is a tremendous scope of reducing the number of materials used for manufacturing by using this process. In this process, there is reduction in the weight of airplane, which makes it lighter and more fuel efficient.

4.       Complex engines made easy- The turbines and engines have highly complex engineering which consumes a lot of time and also has wastage. By using the 3D printing tech, it is distinctly possible to reduce number components, easily process super-alloys and make the components more resilient.

5.       Polymer Tech for Interiors-Certain cabin parts which are removed for C-checks have been 3D printed using the polymer technology.

What components are used to make it?

Different parts of the airplanes have already been started to be made using the 3D printing technology. These include the fixtures, surrogates, engines, interiors, flight control components, landing gears, gear boxes, locking shaft of an airplane door and many more.

Aviation Companies Using 3D Printing

Airbus, Boeing and Etihad are using this technology in various ways. Airbus has about a thousand airplane parts made from this technology. Boeing also has about 60000 parts made from this technology. Etihad is more focused on using this for the interior of the airplane.

How Much Are the Savings?

Boeing expects savings of 3-4 million dollars per plane on using the 3-D printing methodology of work.

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