Airbus Helicopters officially launched its metal and polymer additive manufacturing (AM) facility that will produce 3D printed components.  

Following the announcement that Airbus Helicopters will be utilising TRUMPF’s 3D printing technology earlier this year, the Airbus subsidiary has now formally opened a 3D printing centre located at its Donauwörth site in Germany. The facility boasts several AM machines including 3 for titanium component production, 4 that will produce plastic parts, and an aluminium parts machine. The facility will also produce prototype components for aircrafts that are currently under development, such as its electric CityAirbus NextGen eVTOL and its experimental compound helicopter, Racer.  

The new facility is part of Airbus’ strategy to expand its AM capacity, since these 3D processes significantly increases production efficiency, lower costs, while permitting complex lightweight components design. Additionally, AM processes also allow for parts production without significant material losses as compared to conventional processes that require as much as 10 times more raw material.  

Aerospace titanium demand is expected to double over the next decade. Moreover, AM applications are anticipated to grow in market share over the medium to long-term forecast period, resulting in a reduction in buy-to-fly ratios for aerospace titanium demand. According to Project Blue’s titanium data, AM has already impacted total titanium demand by as much as 5% and could further reduce titanium demand by 25% in 2050. For this reason, production facilities such as the Airbus Helicopter 3D printing centre will play an important role in optimising production and increasing efficiency in the aerospace industry to streamline raw material supply.