3T RPD
With 3D printing creating huge interest in the aerospace industry, leading UK AM producer, 3T RPD is attending the Paris Air Show for the first time in 2013.
On its stand (UK Pavilion, Hall 2B, Stand f172), Berkshire-headquartered 3T will be exhibiting a range of plastic and metal parts that will illustrate the technology's potential, give examples of work and showcase pieces designed to inspire aerospace engineers and designers. A new part being revealed to the public for the first time at the show is a Concept Rotor Blade.
Standing 250 mm high and built in Titanium Alloy Ti6Al4V, the blade is designed to demonstrate that complex internal channels can be created inside solid objects.
The internal channels can be complex fluid pathways typically required for cooling in this type of concept application. However, there are many more applications for gas and liquid pathways that could benefit from optimised internal channel design, thus maximising the potential for additive manufacturing.
Speaking about the company's first showing at Paris, Dr Ian Halliday, 3T's CEO said: "Additive manufacturing technology offers the aerospace industry many opportunities that traditional, subtractive manufacturing prohibits.The team will also be showing an aerospace Engine Casing produced in partnership with Assystem. The casing was designed to be compact, reduce weight, improve fluid flow and cooling and also to integrate multiple components into one part, resulting in reduced production costs and improved reliability. This will be the first part of its kind produced by 3T in an aluminium alloy, and will also incorporate a stainless steel rotor polished via the MMP process offered by FirstSurface.
"We see aerospace as a growing user of additive manufacturing and so gained certification to AS9100* for metal AM; and in 2013 we are bringing metal and plastic additive manufacturing to the Paris Air Show. We want aerospace professionals to see the potential and be inspired to design truly ground breaking parts that will revolutionise the aerospace industry."
Attending the show from 3T will be the Business Development team, Phil Kilburn and Dr Martin McMahon, also 3T's metallurgist. Both will be on hand to discuss any technical or commercial aspects of additive manufacturing, so if you would like to arrange an appointment to meet with them, please contact 3T on +44 (0)1635 580284 or via their website www.3trpd.co.uk.
* AS9100 standard is an international quality management system for aviation, space and defence organisations.
