60 AEROSPACE AND DEFENCE
MAKING MATERIAL GAINS
Leading Lancashire aerospace specialist Airframe Designs is taking part in a pioneering project aiming to deliver a world- first in aircraft part production.
The 3D printing project with the National Aerospace Technology Exploitation Programme (NATEP) is a prime example of the county’s cutting-edge work developing new technologies and materials.
The 18-month government-funded programme is part of a project using a polymer in 3D printing to help the aerospace sector and the Blackpool-based business with future growth and capability.
Garry Sellick, additive manufacturing manager at Airframe Designs, explains: “We are building a database of materials which can be used in the parts being developed for the future.
“The project is aiming to be a world-first in airworthy part production using water-soluble support in the 3D printing process with faster manufacture and less potential for damage than current manual methods. We’re really proud that we’re pushing the boundaries for the aerospace industry.”
The work involving the polymer, created by Thornton-Cleveleys based manufacturer Victrex, will continue until later this year.
It will then be reviewed as part of the overall NATEP Jerrod Hartley Garry Sellick
programme, a £20m government-funded initiative developing more than 80 different aerospace technologies across the UK supply chain.
The aim is to open up opportunities for flight- worthy parts within the aircraft cabin environment and aircraft interiors market. The technology can also be adapted for other industries including automotive, space, nuclear and rail.
The services offered by Airframe Designs are designed to meet the aerospace and defence sectors demands for lightweight ultra-polymer materials that can withstand high temperatures but also provide adequate strength and durability margins.
Founded in 2009, the company provides expertise and solutions for the aviation, defence and space industries worldwide, with its specialist skills in engineering, design, analysis, certification and additive manufacturing.
Recent projects have included the integration of new systems into heavy lift drone platforms, conceptual design at a platform level for new uncrewed air-systems, test rig and tooling for electric vehicle propulsion systems and the design and analysis of operator consoles for a special mission aircraft.
To deliver for its customers, Airframe Designs has invested heavily in technologies that will
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78
