Airframe Designs is working with the National Aerospace Technology Exploitation Programme to develop the use of new 3D printing materials which will speed the production of airworthy parts.
Garry Sellick, additive manufacturing manager at Airframe Designs, said: “We are building a database of materials which can be used in the parts being developed for the future. The project is aiming to be a world-first in airworthy part production using water-soluble support in the 3D printing process with faster manufacture and less potential for damage than current manual methods.”
The project to develop the Victrex AM200 polymer will be ongoing until later this year when it will be reviewed as part of the programme, a £20million government-funded initiative developing more than 80 different aerospace technologies across the UK supply chain.
The services offered by Blackpool-based Airframe Designs are designed to meet the requirements applicable for the aerospace and defence sectors for lightweight ultra-polymer materials that can withstand high temperatures but also provide adequate strength and durability margins.
The aim of the project is to open up opportunities for flight-worthy parts within the aircraft cabin environment and aircraft interiors market. The technology can also be adapted for other industries including automotive, space, nuclear and rail.
Airframe Designs has recently been re-certified to AS9100D/BS EN ISO 9001:2015 for aerospace quality standards and achieved certification to ISO 14001 for effective environmental management systems. It also holds ISO 27001 certification for information security management and is accredited to Cyber Essentials Plus.
The company has recently invested in a second 3D printing machine, a Stratasys Fortus 450, a new five-axis milling machine and new sophisticated resin printing technology to offer increased capability and quality of parts and tools.
Recent projects undertaken by the company include the integration of new systems into heavy lift drone platforms, conceptual design at a platform level for new uncrewed air-systems, test rig and tooling for electric vehicle propulsion systems and most recently the design and analysis of operator consoles for a special mission aircraft.
Garry Sellick added: “Ultimately, we are helping our customers across the aerospace and defence supply chains to achieve many of their goals. This technology enables us to produce lightweight, highly accurate and robust airframe parts and tooling which are delivered at pace, whilst also helping to reduce carbon emissions.”