Norway-based Norsk Titanium has secured a production purchase order from Boeing to provide 3D-printed structural titanium components.

Manufactured using Norsk’s Rapid Plasma Deposition (RPD) process, the components will be incorporated on Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner aircraft.

Boeing has designed the structural components, which completed the US Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) certification process in February.

FAA has already approved the components to install on the Dreamliner aircraft.

Norsk Titanium president and CEO Warren Boley Jr said: “The Norsk Titanium team will continue to expand the portfolio of components supplied to Boeing meeting stringent certification requirements.

“It is an honour to earn FAA approval for these structural parts.”

The company is planning to display the Dreamliner RPD components at the upcoming International Paris Airshow event at Le Bourget, France, in June.

“It is an honour to earn FAA approval for these structural parts.”

Boeing Commercial Airplanes aircraft materials and structures supplier management vice-president John Byrne said: “From the outset, the 787 has been the hallmark of innovation and efficiency.

“We are always looking at the latest technologies to drive cost reduction, performance and value to our customers and Norsk Titanium’s RPD capability fits the bill in a new and creative way.”

Boeing’s twin-engine Dreamliner is the company’s most fuel-efficient airliner.

Suitable for long-haul services, the aircraft can accommodate between 242 and 335 passengers in three-class seating configurations.   

Image: 3D-printed structural titanium components for Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Photo: courtesy of Norsk Titanium.