France-based Prodways Group, a subsidiary of Groupe Gorgé, has partnered with Nexteam Group to form a joint venture to develop mass produced, onboard metal 3D printed parts for the aerospace sector.

The joint venture will be called Prodways-Nexteam.

Prodways Group deputy managing director Philippe Laude said: "This partnership reflects Prodways aim to become the leader in the design and production of mechanical aerospace parts using 3D printing.

"This partnership with Nexteam Group, which will provide its expertise in the areas of machining and finalisation, will ensure that we can scale up our manufacturing processes to an industrial level that meets the technical requirements of the major players in the aerospace market."

"This partnership reflects Prodways aim to become the leader in the design and production of mechanical aerospace parts using 3D printing."

With the agreement, the company expects to meet demands of the aerospace sector by leveraging Nexteam’s expertise in the design, manufacture, assembly and maintenance of both large and small precision mechanical parts in all types of metal alloys.

Nexteam Group chairman Ludovic Asquini said: "With this agreement, we are adding a new skill that will enable us to offer our customers an integrated range of products and robust optimisation solutions, backed by a leading player in the sector, an expert in all metal additive manufacturing technologies."

Prodways, which is involved in the 3D printing sector, recently launched its aerospace division, with the aim to offer 3D printing solutions to the aerospace sector.

It also expanded its polymer materials business for 3D printing with the acquisition of Exceltec, a prime developer and distributer of polymer materials for 3D printing.

France-based Nexteam Group makes hard metal parts for the aerospace sector. It has expertise in the design, manufacture, assembly and maintenance of large and small precision mechanical parts in all types of metal alloys used in the aerospace sector.