EOS and Etihad Airways Engineering have agreed a strategic partnership to expand local capabilities for industrial 3D printing in aviation.

The partnership, agreed at the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix recently, will enable Etihad Airways Engineering to produce aircraft parts at its facility in Abu Dhabi. Visitors to the race were able to view a full-scale, 3D-printed front wing of a Formula 1 car.

The initial phase of the collaboration, which uses EOS technology with an EOS system for additive manufacturing (AM), will include the qualification of machine, process and materials in accordance with aviation regulations.

Following a structured selection process, suitable cabin interior parts will be produced through the AM process.

Enabler

Bernhard Randerath, Vice President Design, Engineering and Innovation at Etihad Airways Engineering said: “Etihad constantly invests in new technology and has identified additive manufacturing as a key technology for aviation interior parts, as well as applications beyond aerospace in the future.

“The technology is a key enabler when it comes to design and innovation in our industry. Etihad is proud to work towards a vision of a 3D-printed cabin interior.”

Markus Glasser, Senior Vice President Export Region at EOS added: “Etihad is providing industry-leading aircraft maintenance and engineering solutions. As such we share the same mindset as both of our companies are committed to high quality solutions and constant technology innovation. We are honored to support our partner on this innovation journey, as such bringing the production of aircraft interior parts to the next level.”

After the initial steps have been completed, Etihad Airways Engineering will certify the AM process, further develop additive manufacturing capabilities based on this technology and jointly with EOS develop, test and qualify new polymer materials.

In the long term, Etihad plans to roll-out AM among their customers and within their broader ecosystem.

Watch our interview with Frederic Dupont, Etihad Airways Engineering

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