
It will still be a while until this vision becomes a reality. However, many aircraft landing gear and flight control components are already being manufactured additively.
Working in tandem with nature – the aircraft that comes out of the printer
It will still be a while until this vision becomes a reality. However, many aircraft landing gear and flight control components are already being manufactured additively.

Titanium components of the very highest quality are produced in the 3D printer using a laser melting process.
The blast furnace has had its day
Titanium components of the very highest quality are produced in the 3D printer using a laser melting process.

In the sandblast shop, the components are bombarded with different blasting materials so that in the end their surfaces appear highly polished.
Smoothened
In the sandblast shop, the components are bombarded with different blasting materials so that in the end their surfaces appear highly polished.

At around 700 degrees, the material from the printer "relaxes". It becomes firmer and is protected from stress cracks.
Relaxing in the heat chamber
At around 700 degrees, the material from the printer "relaxes". It becomes firmer and is protected from stress cracks.

In the titanium dip tank, the surface receives the finishing touches in a galvanisation process. Here, the special liquid used for titanium reaches even the remotest corners of a labyrinthine component.
Finishing
In the titanium dip tank, the surface receives the finishing touches in a galvanisation process. Here, the special liquid used for titanium reaches even the remotest corners of a labyrinthine component.