Airbus is integrating 3D printing, specifically wire-directed energy deposition (w-DED), into its aircraft manufacturing process for parts.
The w-DED method allows for more agile design, significantly reduces material waste compared to traditional forging, and can produce large structural titanium parts over 23 feet long.
W-DED-produced parts have already been integrated into the A350's cargo door surround area.
Airbus plans continued experimentation with w-DED, including testing various energy sources and evaluating in-house vs. outsourced production.
The European aerospace giant is investigating a particular type of 3D printing known as wire-directed energy deposition, or w-DED. The method allows for more agile design and construction and cuts down on material waste, Airbus said this week.
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Zach Vasile is a writer and editor covering news in all aspects of aviation. He has reported for and contributed to the Manchester Journal Inquirer, the Hartford Business Journal, the Charlotte Observer, and the Washington Examiner, with his area of focus being the intersection of business and government policy.
