BigRep, which makes thermoplastic filaments for 3D printing and Etihad Airways plan to jointly develop new plastic additive manufacturing (AM) products for the aerospace industry. The companies aim to employ AM technology to make cabin parts. The goal of the partnership is to accelerate the use of AM equipment in the aviation sector with a focus on these parts for new aircraft, as well as for the retrofit market. According to the two companies, there is a need for a wider spectrum of AM-suitable polymer materials that can pass the aerospace certification process. At present, one of the main factors prohibiting a breakthrough of AM for aircraft cabin interiors is the absence of a broader variety of high-performance materials that are EASA and FAA-certified. Both parties have agreed to jointly develop and test new material grades in accordance with EASA and FAA criteria.
This story uses material from BigRep, with editorial changes made by Materials Today. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent those of Elsevier.
