Air New Zealand has partnered with Zenith Tecnica, a company which specializes in 3D printing titanium, and will be using its equipment, such as Arcam’s Electron Beam Melting (EBM) process to develop parts and tools.
So far Zenith has produced some novelty wine aerators and premium cabin parts but the airline says it committed to innovation through 3D printing with new materials.
Zenith specialises in the design and manufacture of 3D printed titanium and other metals using a technology called electron beam melting. It has built parts for satellites, Formula One cars and yachts.
”While we are in the initial stages of working with these companies on 3D printing, so far, we have printed prototype metal framing for our Business Premier cabin, to quickly test new concepts and ideas and we have also made novelty wine aerators,” said Air New Zealand chief operations officer Bruce Parton.
Major plane manufacturers around the world are making more use of 3D printing and in this country Rocket Lab uses the technology to make some engine parts.
Parton said while the aerators, made to look like replica aircraft engines, were ”a bit of fun” they represented the potential of 3D printing.
”Aircraft interiors are made up of tens of thousands of parts, and the ability to 3D print on demand lightweight parts we only require a small number of, rather than rely on traditional manufacturing methods is of huge benefit to our business, without compromising safety, strength or durability.”
Zenith Tecnica managing director Martyn Newby said the company had years of metal 3D printing experience.
“This is a good project to demonstrate the strength, versatility and utility of titanium 3D printed parts for aircraft applications and it’s very exciting to be working alongside Air New Zealand.”
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