China3D printingNet August 25th, aerospace giants like Airbus are working hard to bring3D printingComponents are loaded into the largest jumbo jets, but additive manufacturing (AM) in the aerospace sector is continuing to develop rapidly throughout the industry.This includes using 3D printingFor maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), companies from Air New Zealand to Lufthansa are exploring the use of this technology to produce on-demand replacement parts. So far, these are the projects of major airlines, but the Cabin Management System (CMS) is using Markforged machines to serve 3D printed parts for its luxury aircraft MRO.
The type of luxury aircraft used by CMS. Image courtesy of Markforged.
CMS is a relatively young company established in 2019. It works with MRO companies and individual aircraft owners to create cabin control and entertainment systems for luxury, private and business jets. The company uses two Markforged X7 3D printers to 3D print parts for maintenance, upgrade and replacement of cabin management and entertainment systems.
Parts made by Cabin Management Systems using Markforged Onyx FR. Image courtesy of Markforged/YouTube.
The key to operation is the use of Markforged Onyx FR material, which provides the flame retardant properties and FAA compliance required by the cabin items. In addition, components made with Onyx FR are described as high strength and low weight. All in all, the process speeds up the time required to manufacture new parts for the aircraft, but also allows the company to repair or replace obsolete items. Jeff Pike, vice president of engineering at CMS, explained how the technology can be applied to their niche industry:
“In the aerospace industry, quality and instant adaptability are the keys to success. We often have to produce small batches of high-value parts from scratch, which can be time and labor intensive. Markforged’s X7 allows us to be faster, Do this more efficiently, while ensuring functionality and retaining the high-end aesthetics expected of luxury aircraft.”
A 3D printed panel shell made by Cabin Management Systems using Markforged Onyx FR. Image courtesy of Markforged/YouTube.
In one case, the CMS team 3D printed about 100 parts for an aircraft. These include 20 light switch panels, a cabin climate controller, USB-C and plug-in USB-A chargers, as well as latches, release buttons and adjustable touch screen brackets. To create luxurious finishes, parts can be customized inlays, such as gold-plated metal or wood finishes.
Currently, CMS must approve its projects on a case-by-case basis; however, Markforged is passing the National Center for Advanced Materials Performance to qualify its Onyx FR and carbon fiber FR materials for aerospace grades. Once approved, Onyx FR-A and carbon fiber FR-A components will be able to be integrated into aircraft faster, allowing CMS to take on more work faster.
China3D printingNet compile article!
(Editor in charge: admin)
0 Comments for “CMS 3D prints parts for luxury, private and business aircraft”