Assembly Consolidation
What Is the Role for Additive Manufacturing in Aircraft Structural Components?
Spirit AeroSystems recently began installing the Boeing 787’s first titanium structural component to be made through AM. The part is not critical but also not minor. I spoke with manufacturing leaders at Spirit about the meaning of the part and the way forward for additive in aircraft structures.
Read More
Why GM’s Electric Future Is Also an Additive Future
Production capacity isn’t the only reason that additive has been slow to make inroads into the automotive industry. There is a larger barrier to entry—one that General Motors and Autodesk are working to overcome.
Read More
The Technology House Steps into 3D Printing for Production
The Technology House was founded on stereolithography for prototyping, but each step forward has been a move toward production. The company is now 3D printing end-use parts, enabled by Carbon’s SpeedCell line and durable materials.
Read More
One-Piece Robot Gripper Actuated by Shop Air
The pneumatic gripper 3D-printed as a complete working unit has demonstrated its effectiveness for continuous operation over time. It is one illustration of the role additive is liable to play in making robotic automation easier.
Watch
3D-Printed Device Proves Rugged Enough for Dust-Free Tile Removal
Arizona Home Floors considered buying a mold to produce a plastic version of its DustRam product. But when a prototype proved durable enough to withstand working conditions, the production strategy shifted to 3D printing.
Read More
Selective Laser Sintering Cuts Lead Time for Clamping Unit Assembly
Industrial automation provider Comau redesigned a three-part clamping assembly for additive manufacturing, realizing benefits in lead time and waste.
Read More
Video: The Additive Nozzle’s Origin Story
The LEAP engine fuel nozzle is likely additive’s greatest success in part production so far, but it wasn’t always clear that the nozzle could be made this way. This video from GE Aviation tells the story.
Watch
