3D Systems Figure 4
3D Systems' Figure 4.
Today at RAPID + TCT, 3D Systems has announced its recently launched Figure 4 Production system has been selected for Air Force-sponsored research focused on integrating high-speed 3D printing into the aircraft maintenance supply chain.
Through this project, the Air Force will explore how 3D Systems' Figure 4 Production system can be used to reproduce aircraft components for decades old planes that may no longer have reliable sources of replacement parts.
Overseen by America Makes, and led by the University of Dayton Research Institute (UDRI), this initiative brings together 3D Systems, Lockheed Martin, Orbital ATK and Northrop Grumman.
The award was made as part of multi-year Air Force program known as "Maturation of Advanced Manufacturing for Low-cost Sustainment" (MAMLS) and marks the first time the Air Force will deploy Digital Light Processing (DLP) technology to supply low criticality components, including electrical connectors, knobs, elastomeric grommets, and spacers for legacy sustainment equipment. Figure 4 was selected by this team due to its speed and accuracy, enabling faster repair and reduced time of aircraft on ground.
Hand-out 3D Systems
3D Systems
Digital Light Processing (DLP) technology will be used to supply low criticality components for legacy sustainment equipment. Credit: University of Dayton Research Institute (PRNewsfoto/3D Systems)
"We were pleased with the speed, resolution, surface finish, and scalability that we achieved utilising 3D Systems' solution," said Dr. Tim Osborn, research scientist: additive manufacturing, multiscale composites and polymer division, University of Dayton Research Institute. "Our goal is to further explore this technology and establish a clear development, vetting, and transition pathway for the emerging DLP technology in the Figure 4 machine for transition to the U.S. Air Force."
According to America Makes, legacy aircraft used by the U.S. Air Force (AF) require parts that may be out-of-production due to manufacturing obsolescence, costs to create, low-quantity requirements, poor documentation, or other availability-related challenges. The MAMLS program - an America Makes program funded by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) - has just reached Stage III and announced multiple awards on three key topics that will have the most impact for defence maintenance, sustainment and logistics and the overall strategic readiness of the USAF and DOD.
"Additive manufacturing is the perfect lean solution because it avoids the need for time-consuming and costly tooling," said Chuck Hull, co-founder and chief technology officer, 3D Systems. "We are pleased to support the Air Force in its effort to reduce production costs and delivery times through Figure 4, our novel additive manufacturing technology. We look forward to our continued collaboration with UDRI and other partners - helping expand their arsenal of Figure 4 applications."
