US-based Stratasys, a 3D printing and additive manufacturing solutions company, said that its recently launched Fortus 900mc Aircraft Interiors (AI) Certification Solution has been adopted by leading parts supplier Western Tool & Mold to produce aircraft cabin components that meet stringent FAA and EASA certification requirements.

Hong Kong-based Western Tool & Mold (WTM) serves the aerospace interiors market where airlines demand quick turnaround of replacement parts to improve supply chain efficiency, but are often challenged due to the unique geometries of individual components, said a statement.

Collin Wilkerson, managing director, Western Tool & Mold, said: “Adding the certification edition to our extensive arsenal of Stratasys FDM and PolyJet-based 3D Printing Solutions not only gives us the opportunity to provide repeatable, certified aircraft parts to tier 1 and tier 2 aircraft parts suppliers but also the accompanying documentation process is now automated -- making it easier to meet evolving industry quality standards while freeing up more time to invest in production.”

“The Stratasys Aircraft Interiors Certification Solution will allow us to work with our customers early in their design and development process and help be more agile than our competition in responding to customer requests."

The Fortus 900mc Aircraft Interiors Certification Solution consists of ULTEM 9085 resin, which is a strong, lightweight thermoplastic meeting aerospace flame, smoke and toxicity (FST) regulations (FAR 25.863), and a new edition of the Fortus 900mc Production 3D Printer with specialised hardware and software designed to deliver highly repeatable mechanical properties.

Western Tool & Mold is now using the Stratasys technology to 3D print aircraft cabin parts with complex geometries and low quantity demand such as first-class overhead bin lockers and lavatory components.

By 3D printing these parts directly from CAD designs, bypassing metal manufacturing processes, WTM's customers can test parts early in the design process and save hundreds of thousands of dollars in manufacturing costs.

Omer Krieger, president, Stratasys Asia Pacific and Japan, said: “We are gratified that one of our long standing customers, Western Tool & Mold, will be using the certification solution to improve supply chain efficiency for Asia's aviation industry.”

“This solution minimises the obstacles that have impeded the wider adoption of 3D printing for aircraft cabin parts - addressing the key issues of repeatability, certification and documentation,” he said.

“In addition to providing lightweight, durable parts according to stringent specifications, our company’s 3D printing enables these parts to be customised according to the airlines' brand design – affording new opportunities to reinforce corporate messaging inflight,” he added. – TradeArabia News Service