Metal additive manufacturing is an advanced technology that has gradually seeped into every industry due to its wide range of benefits. Previously used as a small-scale prototyping tool, 3D printing technology is now being implemented at an industrial-grade level.

The aerospace industry is also experimenting with metal additive manufacturing to create new lightweight components, enhance functional performance, and engineer high-performance aircraft components.

Keep reading to learn why the aerospace industry is looking into metal additive manufacturing.

Reduced Inventory

One of the main reasons why the aerospace industry is looking into metal additive manufacturing is because of inventory reduction. Aircraft equipment is typically very complex, but with additive manufacturing, these complex components can be built as homogenous structures instead of separate parts that need assembly after production.

Additive manufacturing also allows for flexibility since any aerospace component can be manufactured on demand whenever needed instead of keeping parts in inventory. The reason why aerospace components are kept in inventory is that they have long lead times, and this can cause serious delays.

Achieving Growth

 

The aerospace industry encompasses space launch systems, satellites, military, commercial, and general aviation. The social distancing protocols and air travel restrictions due to the pandemic negatively impacted the aerospace sector revenue, causing a decline from $342.2 billion to $298 billion in 2020.

But metal additive manufacturing technology is now primarily being used to make new developments in the aerospace sector, like increasing the global military expenditure, meeting the new commercial aircraft demands, and performing comprehensive research and development.

Metal additive manufacturing has been used to design lightweight aerospace structures with greater technical and economic performance.

For example, SpaceX recently used additive manufacturing technology to metal print the SuperDraco engine using a DMLS printer. They use this high-tech engine in their crew Dragon spacecraft.

Lowered Noise

Aircraft typically produce a significant amount of noise pollution. But through metal additive manufacturing, new developments have been worked on to create meta-material that effectively minimizes noise while keeping a high percentage of airflow.

Flight to Weight Ratios

Aircraft weight reduction is one of the most beneficial parts of implementing metal additive manufacturing technology.

While aircraft components are complex and heavy, additive manufacturing helps to create new designs that have enhanced thermal and mechanical performance while having minimal system mass. This is not possible through any other traditional manufacturing method.

Additive manufacturing technologies are in their initial stages but are still highly effective and compatible with creating high-complexity metal components.

Looking for high-quality 3D printing services in the UAE? Get in touch with us at Falcon Technologies International.

We have a team of industry-leading experts who provide top-notch additive manufacturing services for various industries.

Drop us a message today to learn more about our digital manufacturing and prototyping services.