Safran and Dassault Systèmes have entered into strategic partnership to develop an end-to-end digital solution for additive manufacturing of aerospace engine components.

Also known as 3D-printing, additive manufacturing uses computer-aided design, engineering, manufacturing and materials science software to generate 3D models of parts and subsystems, which are then built using successive layers of materials.

Using Dassault Systèmes’ 3DEXPERIENCE platform and Safran’s expertise in innovative technologies, the companies will develop expertise for virtual validation of an additive manufacturing process.

"We can nurture virtual world processes for a complete approach in this field that will help revolutionise tomorrow’s manufacturing."

Dassault Systèmes R&D senior executive vice-president Dominique Florack said: "Our 3DEXPERIENCE platform’s strategy covers all aspects of the additive manufacturing process, from material design to conceptual design, generative design to manufacturing, and certification to repair.

"Together with Safran, we can nurture virtual world processes for a complete approach in this field that will help revolutionise tomorrow’s manufacturing."

The new process will facilitate upstream material design, downstream manufacturing processes and testing to offer digital continuity for various engineering parameters.

The solution will address material science, functional specification, generative design, 3D-printing optimisation, multi-robotic production and certification.

Safran research and technology senior executive vice-president Pierre Fabre said: "By pooling expertise with Dassault Systèmes and its 3DEXPERIENCE platform, we can accelerate the innovation process and better meet customers’ needs."

The manufacturing process could help the aviation industry improve production times and product performance in terms of strength, weight and environmental impact.