Airbus Helicopters has opened a new 3D printing center at its Donauwörth, Germany site, expanding in-house capacity for this technology. The airframer now operates three machines for components made of titanium, four for plastic, and one for aluminum. Airbus is using the process for serial production parts as well as for components for prototype aircraft such as the CityAirbus NextGen eVTOL and the high-speed Racer experimental compound helicopter.
“Among other advantages, 3D printing can reduce the weight of aircraft components, which leads to less fuel consumption. Such potential can bring financial benefits and contribute to reducing CO2 emissions during operations,” said Stefan Thomé, Airbus Helicopters managing director for Germany.
Proponents have long pointed out that 3D printing uses up to 85 percent less raw material than conventional CNC machining, makes it easier to produce complex structures, and is more efficient for one-off and short production runs, using lasers to melt metal or plastic powders to create desired shapes layer-by-layer. Airbus has used 3D printing to manufacture more than 9,400 titanium locking shafts for the doors on its widebody A350 airliner since 2017.