3D Printed aircraft flies
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 1999
Location: Manchester, UK
Posts: 1,958
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
3D Printed aircraft flies
An unmanned aircraft has just been launched from HMS Mersey having been printed on board. A first step but far-reaching possibilities: aircraft or other weapon systems could be printed as required.
I don't own this space under my name. I should have leased it while I still could
Why fax it when you could use Hawala. Maybe The Sullivans was an early trial.
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: East Sussex UK
Age: 66
Posts: 6,995
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Originally Posted by Radix
But how about 3D printed spare parts
3ders.org - 3-meter long titanium airplane part 3D printed in one piece | 3D Printer News & 3D Printing News
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: East Sussex UK
Age: 66
Posts: 6,995
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
JAJ ... Yes that's printing (aka Laser Additive Manufacturing) in titanium ...
It would seem from this pic taken aboard HMS Mersey, that the RN also get some Humrol paints to help them distinguish Port and Starboard
Image Credit : MOD RN
It would seem from this pic taken aboard HMS Mersey, that the RN also get some Humrol paints to help them distinguish Port and Starboard
Image Credit : MOD RN
Last edited by CoffmanStarter; 25th Jul 2015 at 08:49.
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Hanging off the end of a thread
Posts: 32,742
Received 2,726 Likes
on
1,159 Posts
GE have already printed a working gas turbine to prove the concept
See
GE fires up fully 3D-printed jet engine
They printed a house In China
http://www.digitaltrends.com/cool-te...n-three-hours/
See
GE fires up fully 3D-printed jet engine
They printed a house In China
http://www.digitaltrends.com/cool-te...n-three-hours/
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Hanging off the end of a thread
Posts: 32,742
Received 2,726 Likes
on
1,159 Posts
I do wonder if in the future where you have corrosion or combat damage in spars etc will they have the facility to print repairs directly onto the damaged structure thus restoring it back to its factory dimensions / strength.
Last edited by NutLoose; 25th Jul 2015 at 13:51.
I don't own this space under my name. I should have leased it while I still could
No need for machine tools?
Be a bummer if the printer, like my HP, stops half way through.
Be a bummer if the printer, like my HP, stops half way through.
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Hanging off the end of a thread
Posts: 32,742
Received 2,726 Likes
on
1,159 Posts
Or ot prints onto the spar the wheel bolt that was still in the printers cache 
The key with 3d printing for manufacturing aircraft components (particularly titanium) is the low level of material wastage involved compared to conventional production. There was an article on the 787 recently in a major news outlet and Boeing's stated prime aim was to reduce the percentage of loss, which is currently mind-bending, given the huge cost of the raw material!
Though not having to wait for 'just in time' spares would be nice. Although the RAF would by 1 printer between 3 units, and it would be the old kind that uses a cable no one makes any more...
Though not having to wait for 'just in time' spares would be nice. Although the RAF would by 1 printer between 3 units, and it would be the old kind that uses a cable no one makes any more...
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Hanging off the end of a thread
Posts: 32,742
Received 2,726 Likes
on
1,159 Posts
Although the RAF would by 1 printer between 3 units, and it would be the old kind that uses a cable no one makes any more...
As for holding the drawings, best guess, they would be held by and licenced from BAe etc who would transmit them direct over the web at a cost of zillions per print.
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: East Sussex UK
Age: 66
Posts: 6,995
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Recruitment crisis solved
New 3D bioprinter to reproduce human organs, change the face of healthcare: The inside story - Feature - TechRepublic
Researchers are only steps away from bioprinting tissues and organs
