3D Systems and Oerlikon AM have announced a strategic partnership aimed at transforming metal additive manufacturing (AM) for the aerospace and defense sectors. This collaboration brings together 3D Systems’ expertise in 3D printing hardware and software with Oerlikon AM’s deep knowledge in materials and advanced manufacturing processes.
Advancing Metal 3D Printing for Aerospace and Defense
The aerospace and defense industries demand high-performance components that meet strict regulatory and quality standards. Metal 3D printing has emerged as a powerful solution, offering design flexibility, weight reduction, and the ability to produce complex geometries that are difficult or impossible to achieve with traditional manufacturing methods.
Through this partnership, 3D Systems and Oerlikon AM aim to develop scalable, repeatable, and cost-effective metal AM solutions tailored to the needs of aerospace and defense customers. The companies will focus on qualifying new materials, optimizing printing parameters, and streamlining post-processing workflows to ensure consistent part quality and performance.
Combining Strengths: Hardware, Software, and Materials Expertise
3D Systems brings to the table its DMP (Direct Metal Printing) platform, which includes high-performance metal 3D printers like the DMP Flex 350 and DMP Factory 500. These systems are known for their precision, repeatability, and ability to handle demanding applications. The company also offers advanced software tools such as 3DXpert, which supports the entire AM workflow from design to post-processing.
Oerlikon AM, a division of the Swiss technology group Oerlikon, contributes its extensive experience in metal powder development, process engineering, and component manufacturing. The company operates a global network of AM facilities and has a strong track record in producing mission-critical parts for aerospace, energy, and industrial applications.
By integrating their capabilities, the two companies plan to accelerate the development of qualified AM solutions that meet the rigorous requirements of aerospace and defense OEMs and suppliers.
Focus on Qualification and Industrialization
One of the key goals of the partnership is to reduce the time and cost associated with qualifying metal AM parts for flight and defense applications. This involves not only developing robust printing processes but also ensuring that materials and parts meet industry standards such as AMS (Aerospace Material Specifications) and NADCAP (National Aerospace and Defense Contractors Accreditation Program) requirements.
The collaboration will also explore ways to industrialize metal AM by improving process repeatability, automating quality control, and integrating digital workflows. These efforts are expected to help customers scale up production while maintaining high levels of quality and traceability.
Broader Implications for the Additive Manufacturing Industry
This partnership reflects a broader trend in the additive manufacturing industry, where companies are increasingly joining forces to tackle the challenges of industrialization and certification. As metal AM moves from prototyping to full-scale production, collaborations like this one are essential to unlocking its full potential.
For aerospace and defense companies, the ability to produce lightweight, high-performance parts on demand can lead to significant cost savings, faster development cycles, and enhanced mission capabilities. The work being done by 3D Systems and Oerlikon AM could serve as a blueprint for other industries looking to adopt metal AM at scale.
Source: 3D Printing Industry
