Bionic Production Leistritz Turbinentechnik GmbH
Sven Nieper, Managing Director, Leistritz Turbinentechnik GmbH (right) and Klaus Mueller, CCO, Bionic Production AG (left) sign the letter of intent at the Paris Airshow.
Bionic Production AG, a scientific research company which aims to bring 3D printing to series production, has partnered with Leistritz Turbinentechnik GmbH, an aerospace component provider.
Signing a letter of intent for a strategic alliance at last month's Paris Air Show, the two companies will work together to open up business fields, and ensure that Leistritz is able to apply additive manufacturing to its production processes. Leistritz has been looking to adopt additive manufacturing because of its ability to offer greater deign freedom and the quick creation of prototypes and components.
The company foresees the use of AM for turbine technology, where complex geometries are required. Here, the cost efficiency and superior design opportunities should see a better business model, and a better end product.
Additionally, the strategic partnership will see joint development activities in a bid to increase their respective manufacturing capacities and joint marketing activities. Leistritz believes it will benefit from the support of its new partner, quickly developing the knowledge it requires to sufficiently serve its customers.
“The advantages of the process became obvious right after we had produced the first components and we’ll identify additional potential as we go along,” said Hans-Christian Melzer, Director Business Development at Leistritz Turbinentechnik. “We will be able to address a broader customer base and enhance our manufacturing and product spectrum. We will follow-up with this thoroughly.”
In return, Bionic Production will look to use the partnership to its advantage in its entries into new markets.
“We used additive methods to jointly manufacture a very complex component and successfully carried out all required refinishing tasks and quality tests,” said Klaus Mueller, CCO Bionic Production. “This partnership offers us the opportunity to bundle our competencies and to jointly conquer new markets.”
