US-based additive manufacturing and 3D printing solutions provider Stratasys has been selected to supply its ULTEM 9085 3D printing material for use in the production of various flight components of the Airbus’ A350 XWB aircraft family.

With the deal, Airbus aims to standardise the parts production process for its A350 XWB aircraft programme.

Certified to an Airbus material specification, the ULTEM 9085 resin is used in Stratasys' fused deposition modelling (FDM) based 3D printing solutions.

Compliant with flame, smoke, and toxicity (FST) for aircraft flight parts, ULTEM 9085 allows the manufacturing of lightweight parts at reduced cost and time.

Stratasys EMEA president Andy Middleton said: "In 2014 Airbus produced a significant amount of parts on its Stratasys FDM-based 3D Printers for use in new A350 XWB aircraft, enabling Airbus to meet delivery commitments on-time.

“We are pleased to support Airbus as they industrialise the inclusion of Stratasys 3D printed parts in the A350 XWB production supply chain, ensuring that suppliers will be able to support continued scheduled aircraft deliveries.”

"Apart from increasing efficiency and flexibility of production supply chains, the process requires fewer raw materials than the traditional manufacturing methods."

The company said that additive manufacturing process helps the production of different parts at locations optimised for delivery to final assembly lines.

Apart from increasing efficiency and flexibility of production supply chains, the process requires fewer raw materials than the traditional manufacturing methods.

Last month, UK-based automated test equipment and test fixtures manufacturer Peak Production Equipment had selected Stratasys FDM 3D printing to modernise its production line.


Image: Deal signing between Stratasys and Airbus Group. Photo: courtesy of Stratasys.