Russian Helicopters plans to begin integrating 3D printed parts into its serial production models beginning next year, the manufacturer said. "This year we are finishing the re-engineering of around 30 different parts and details that will be manufactured using additive technologies," said Andrey Shibitov, Russian Helicopters’ director of innovations. "These parts are currently manufactured with various methods, like casting, punching or machining and we need to integrate their production to 3D printing. We are talking about serious power elements of the structures, units, and systems of our helicopters.”
The company said each 3D manufactured item will undergo construction redesign, strength, and other testing to confirm that the replacement part is equal or superior to the conventionally manufactured item it replaces. It noted that already 80 different parts are undergoing re-engineering.
While Russian-made helicopters do not yet include 3D parts, the company predicts this content will significantly increase between 2020 and 2022 as the use of additive manufacturing can significantly reduce aircraft weight and cost. The company sees particular potential on its lighter helicopters, including the in-development VRT500 coaxial rotor light single and the in-production Ansat light twin.