Stelia
Stelia Fuselage
It seems like Aerospace is the 3D Printing industry's raison d'être at this moment in time, we're in the midst of producing a TCT Podcast on the subject, Laura has just published an in-depth feature on the sector, 3D Printing was a major theme at the Paris Air Show and the CECIMO conference in the European Parliament was heavily aeronautical additive manufacturing centric.
A piece of PR received today shows how much additive technologies are taking off in aerospace as three manufacturing companies in Europe have partnered together to for the FAST Project. The three companies involved in FAST are; Constellium - a large supplier of aluminium based parts, Stelia Aerospace - a manufacturer of aircraft equipped fuselages and CT Ingenierie - a engineering company who specialise in technological innovation.
FAST will be focused on optimising design and technologies to make large aerospace structures and parts more efficient, cost effective and inventive than ever before with the use of 3D Printing.
With the existing available technology, the design of large scale modules is currently limited due to cost, size and efficiency constraints. 3D fuselage printing has the potential to transform the aerospace industry, allowing for easy design modification, duplication and customisation at a lower cost.
"The goal of the FAST project is to change the way innovative technologies are implemented and to expand the usage of 3D printing. 3D printing will allow us to create metal shapes and properties that were previously impossible to produce," said Bruno Chenal, Director of R&D, Constellium Research and Technology.
FAST is a long-term project that was formed last year and currently remains in early stages of development. Constellium will act as the primary material supplier, while STELIA Aerospace will lead the design and production efforts and CT INGENIERIE will optimise the design.
"We are excited to work with one of our customers, STELIA Aerospace, to find innovative alternatives for printing aluminium and developing aerospace technologies industry wide. This innovative process further supports Constellium's commitment to work closely with all of our customers to develop customized solutions to meet their unique needs," said Chenal.
