Aidro Becomes Leonardo Helicopters' Supplier for Aluminum Flight Parts

Aidro, a developer in the volume production of hydraulic and fluid power systems through metal additive manufacturing (AM) and a subsidiary of Desktop Metal, has become a supplier of aluminum flight parts for aerospace, defense and security company Leonardo through its helicopters division. Aidro is one of two suppliers to receive the Declaration for Qualification of Process for Additive Layer Manufacturing with Leonardo.

“We are proud to be selected by Leonardo Helicopters as a supplier of 3D printed aluminum flight parts,” says Tommaso Tirelli, Aidro CEO and vice president of business development. “The components we are producing for Leonardo are parts that require extensive knowledge in managing fluids and fluid power, which has always been Aidro’s main competence.”

It is said the aerospace industry is well suited to take advantage of the benefits of AM, including opening up possibilities for lightweighting as well as more compact and complex components. In the highly regulated aerospace industry where safety is paramount, metal AM requires qualification prior to use. Aidro achieved its AS/EN9100 certification in 2018, gaining access to the aerospace industry and enabling the business to entertain collaborations with a range of companies in that sector.

“In addition to supporting Leonardo with design, Aidro also organizes training sessions and knowledge-sharing on additive manufacturing with its employees,” says Valeria Tirelli, Aidro president and CEO. “This joining of forces and continuous process of mutual learning becomes essential in such a fast-changing environment to be able to design, create and recreate products of high value.”