Helepolis
Mechanical
- Dec 13, 2015
- 202
Hi all,
As the title suggests, I'm exploring the feasibility of manufacturing advanced prototypes (pre-production, for "ground" testing purposes only) of aerospace industry components using 3D printing technology.
The company I work for produces aerospace components (R&D, reverse engineering, and upgrades), specifically focusing on pumps and valves. Many of these pump and valve components are made from aluminum. While aluminum is typically straightforward to machine conventionally, the iterative prototyping process—needed to resolve design issues—can still be lengthy and costly.
I've started considering the possibility of 3D printing relevant parts up to and including the pre-production prototype stage. I am aware that metal additive manufacturing, including aluminum printing, exists, but I currently lack direct experience to determine if it's viable for our purposes.
To clarify my goal: I'm looking to reduce reliance on conventional machining processes—saving lead time and manufacturing costs—by substituting conventional methods with metal 3D printing for pre-production prototypes. Post-processing (finishing machining) could still be used, if necessary, to achieve final tolerances and geometric accuracy. Additionally, it's essential that the 3D-printed parts can undergo live testing within the full assembly, involving actual fluids, pressures, and flow rates.
It's important to note that the 3D-printed parts would not be dynamic components (such as gears, axles, or shafts), but rather static parts such as pump housings, inlet/outlet ports, and similar structural components.
Based on your experience, is it realistic to expect 3D-printed aluminum parts to handle these operational conditions, or am I expecting too much from metal additive manufacturing?
I would greatly appreciate any insights or experiences you can share.
Thank you.
As the title suggests, I'm exploring the feasibility of manufacturing advanced prototypes (pre-production, for "ground" testing purposes only) of aerospace industry components using 3D printing technology.
The company I work for produces aerospace components (R&D, reverse engineering, and upgrades), specifically focusing on pumps and valves. Many of these pump and valve components are made from aluminum. While aluminum is typically straightforward to machine conventionally, the iterative prototyping process—needed to resolve design issues—can still be lengthy and costly.
I've started considering the possibility of 3D printing relevant parts up to and including the pre-production prototype stage. I am aware that metal additive manufacturing, including aluminum printing, exists, but I currently lack direct experience to determine if it's viable for our purposes.
To clarify my goal: I'm looking to reduce reliance on conventional machining processes—saving lead time and manufacturing costs—by substituting conventional methods with metal 3D printing for pre-production prototypes. Post-processing (finishing machining) could still be used, if necessary, to achieve final tolerances and geometric accuracy. Additionally, it's essential that the 3D-printed parts can undergo live testing within the full assembly, involving actual fluids, pressures, and flow rates.
It's important to note that the 3D-printed parts would not be dynamic components (such as gears, axles, or shafts), but rather static parts such as pump housings, inlet/outlet ports, and similar structural components.
Based on your experience, is it realistic to expect 3D-printed aluminum parts to handle these operational conditions, or am I expecting too much from metal additive manufacturing?
I would greatly appreciate any insights or experiences you can share.
Thank you.