Hexcel reports that it has been approved by Boeing to produce its HexPEKK-100 aerospace structures for major commercial aircraft platforms.
The polyetherketoneketone and carbon fiber structures are made using the company’s HexAM additive manufacturing (AM) process which uses selective laser sintering.
According to the company, the 3D printed components are now obtainable through Boeing’s Qualified Provider List (QPL) and can be manufactured-to-print for commercial aerospace applications requiring improved complexity, weight reduction, and mechanical performance.
Hexcel says that it can produce serial parts at a higher rate with reduced lead time and at a lower cost than traditional intricately machined aluminum or composite structures.
HexPEKK-100 parts meet interior aircraft smoke and toxicity requirements and are suitable for complex components such as optimized brackets, environmental control system ducts, and castings.
This story uses material from Hexcel, with editorial changes made by Materials Today. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent those of Elsevier.
