Air New Zealand
Air New Zealand wine aerator
3D printed wine aerator
Air New Zealand is exploring 3D printing technology for the manufacture of metal aircraft components and tools.
The airline has partnered with Zenith Tecnica, a fellow New Zealand company specialising in the additive manufacture of titanium parts. Zenith Tecnica harnesses Arcam’s electron beam melting (EBM) citing its ability to tackle complex designs in quick time.
It represents a significant development in the way Air New Zealand manufactures its metal parts, but comes as no surprise after the organisation began using polymer 3D printing technologies back in 2016. The company has also been looking into new processes in collaboration with Auckland University, Victoria University of Wellington, and a number of technology companies, and recently has been using a laser 3D scanner for part and tool designs, as well as interior modelling.
Most notable, however, is the airline’s early applications of metal printing to prototype metal framing for its Business Premier cabin, and novelty wine aerators to test the capabilities of the technology. The company is already seeing its potential, and with the support of Zenith Tecnica, is expecting it to make a big impact on the business.
“It’s fantastic to be able to team up with and support local operator Zenith Tecnica and work with GE Additive to learn and collaborate in this space.
“While the aerators, made to look like replica aircraft engines, are a bit of fun, we’re really excited by the possibility they represent as 3D printing is both cost and space effective,” commented Bruce Parton, Air New Zealand Chief Operations Officer. “Aircraft interiors are made up of tens of thousands of parts, and the ability to 3D print on-demand lightweight parts we only require a small number of, rather than rely on traditional manufacturing methods, is of huge benefit to our business, without compromising safety, strength or durability.”
Martyn Newby, Zentih Tecnica Managing Director added: “This is a good project to demonstrate the strength, versatility and utility of titanium 3D printed parts for aircraft applications and it’s very exciting to be working alongside Air New Zealand on this journey. We are in a very good position to support the local adoption of 3D printing for aviation applications and welcome Air New Zealand’s enthusiasm to embrace this emerging technology and help it take it to the mainstream.”
