Airbus Helicopters Builds Aircraft with 3D

Airbus Helicopters SAS is expanding its additive manufacturing (AM) capabilities with a new 3D printing center in Donauwörth, Germany, the company announced. The metal 3D printers, provided by Trumpf, will be used to manufacture aircraft components for both Airbus Helicopters and its parent company, Airbus.

"With innovative manufacturing processes, we are working on the helicopters of the future in Donauwörth. Among other things, 3D printing helps reduce the weight of components," says Helmut Färber, site manager of Airbus Helicopters in Donauwörth.

According to the company, the lighter weight components will reduce fuel consumption, lower costs, and reduce CO2 emissions in flight. Airbus Helicopters will use the 3D printing process to produce components for the electric-powered CityAirbus, the experimental high-speed Racer helicopter, and the Airbus A350 and A320 passenger aircraft.

"With its manufacturing know-how, Trumpf is a reliable partner to the aviation industry worldwide. Our 3D printing systems are a key technology on the path to sustainable flying and reduced dependency on long supply chains," says Richard Bannmueller, CEO of Trumpf Laser and System Technology.

Trumpf says AM allows entire assemblies to be printed as one stable component while meeting the strict safety requirements of the aviation industry. The structural components are made of titanium and high-strength aluminum.

"Additive manufacturing saves expensive raw material and can lower production costs in the aviation industry. 3D printers only use the material that designers actually need for their components and that ends up taking off in the aircraft," says Bannmueller.

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