Norsk Titanium, a Norwegian-based company, has recently achieved a significant milestone in the aerospace manufacturing industry. Its pioneering Rapid Plasma Deposition (RPD) technology has received official qualification for serial application by Airbus, a prominent aircraft manufacturer. This accomplishment represents a major advancement in the realm of additive manufacturing and 3D printing for the aerospace sector.
The company’s RPD technology, a specific implementation of Directed Energy Deposition (DED), employs a plasma arc as the energy source. This innovative manufacturing approach for complex structural parts has captured the attention of Airbus and its German subsidiary, Premium Aerotec, which has already placed an order for an initial structural component.
Norsk Titanium’s strategic partnership with Airbus has paved the way for the integration of its RPD process to replace parts currently produced using traditional methods such as castings and forgings. This signifies a significant progression in the adoption of advanced additive manufacturing techniques in aircraft production. The company’s Vice President of Commercial, Nicholas Mayer, emphasized the importance of this achievement, positioning Norsk Titanium as the sole DED provider qualified to manufacture structural parts for both Airbus and Boeing.
The utilization of DED technology in aircraft manufacturing offers a versatile solution for creating complex and customised components. Besides serial production of 3D printed parts, it also plays a crucial role in aircraft maintenance by enabling rapid prototyping and reducing lead times. This ultimately allows for the repair and extension of the lifespan of critical components, aligning with the aerospace industry’s objectives of efficiency, precision, and sustainability.
Norsk Titanium’s RPD process not only transforms the production of titanium parts but also provides notable technological and economic advantages. It reduces raw material consumption and streamlines manufacturing processes, making it a cost-efficient 3D printing method for producing value-added metal parts. The company’s ability to produce raw forms from which parts can be extracted, as opposed to traditional methods of shaping airplane parts, offers substantial savings in material, time, and machining costs.
In light of this achievement, Norsk Titanium is now positioned to expand its capabilities and transition towards direct engagement with aircraft programs. By focusing on individual part qualifications and business cases, the company aims to demonstrate the effectiveness of its RPD technology and facilitate the transition of these parts into production. This strategic pivot towards production signifies a new chapter in Norsk Titanium’s journey to establish itself as a leading innovator in the aerospace industry.
Norsk Titanium’s dedication to obtaining materials specifications and qualifications in the aerospace sector has laid a solid foundation for its future endeavours. With the necessary certifications in place, the company is well-positioned to shift its focus towards the production of aircraft parts using its cutting-edge RPD technology. This transformation marks a pivotal moment, demonstrating Norsk Titanium’s commitment to delivering on its promises and realising the full potential of its innovative manufacturing processes.
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