Internet Explorer, Chrome Browser, Firefox Browser, Safari Browser
Press Release28 March 2017Siemens AG
Strata, Etihad Airways Engineering and Siemens reveal the MENA’s first 3D-printed aircraft interior part
A landmark pilot project between Siemens, Strata and Etihad Airways Engineering has successfully developed the first aircraft interior part to be designed, certified and manufactured with 3D printing technology in the Middle East.
The part - a plastic frame which surrounds media screens on Etihad Airways aircraft - can be manufactured on demand, cutting production time and eliminating the need for shipping or a locally-stored inventory. The additive manufacturing technology (known as 3D printing) also removes the requirement to design and build tooling for the manufacturing process, allowing future design updates to be modeled virtually and printed swiftly using existing equipment. The monitor frame was selected for the pilot project because of its complexity and appearance requirements. The 3D-printed parts can be used in Etihad Airways aircraft immediately.
Jeff Wilkinson, CEO, Etihad Airways Engineering, said: “This project showcases our joint capabilities in the UAE to design, certify and manufacture parts using the latest technologies. Its importance cannot be understated, as 3D printing enables high flexibility during design and prototyping and short lead times during production. It opens new possibilities to the industry and inspires our talented engineers to make their ideas become reality.”
Etihad Airways Engineering has identified great potential for 3D printing technology in aviation to enable faster production of complex and discontinued parts, and to allow design improvements by airlines. The design and manufacture of aircraft parts is complex, requiring a stringent certification process to ensure airworthiness and approval for use.
“We’re extremely proud to announce the successful completion of our pilot project - this is a key step towards our goal of deploying 3D printing technology on live applications,” said Badr Al-Olama, CEO of Strata and head of the Global Manufacturing and Industrialization Committee. “This technology has the potential to revolutionize the aerospace industry through innovation, while also developing local knowledge and skills.”
During the project Siemens used its global expertise in industrial 3D printing to consult on the selection of materials, testing and the development of the manufacturing processes. Etihad Airways Engineering was responsible for the part’s design and its certification for use in aviation. Strata 3D-printed the part in their Al Ain factory, supported by local partners VPS and D2M. The UAE aviation authority GCAA approved the entire process.
“This project is an excellent example of what can be achieved by combining expertise from the right global and local partners,” said Assem Khalaili, Executive Vice President, Industry Customer Services at Siemens Middle East. “Together we have demonstrated the industrialization of 3D printing technology in the region, paving the way for its use across a range of sectors. We believe it will play a key role in strengthening local manufacturing in the Middle East, and we’re looking forward to further driving the development of digitalized industry in the region.”
With the successful completion of the pilot project, Siemens and Strata intend to investigate the development of a three-year joint roadmap for the further industrialization of 3D printing in the UAE, Middle East and North Africa. The roadmap is to include training and skill development for UAE citizens.
Strata will also continue to explore 3D printing technology in a range of applications in aerostructures including tooling, fixtures and consumables, using both metallic and non-metallic materials.
Siemens is able to integrate the entire additive manufacturing process from end-to-end, with a portfolio including computer-aided design software, control, automation and drive systems and technology for the digital modeling of all processes. The company currently uses 3D printing to manufacture parts for industrial gas turbines and rail vehicles, making the design, production and delivery of parts faster and enabling rapid prototyping, manufacture and repair.
For this press release
Siemens AG (Berlin and Munich) is a global technology powerhouse that has stood for engineering excellence, innovation, quality, reliability and internationality for more than 165 years. The company is active in more than 200 countries, focusing on the areas of electrification, automation and digitalization. One of the world’s largest producers of energy-efficient, resource-saving technologies, Siemens is a leading supplier of efficient power generation and power transmission solutions and a pioneer in infrastructure solutions as well as automation, drive and software solutions for industry. The company is also a leading provider of medical imaging equipment – such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging systems – and a leader in laboratory diagnostics as well as clinical IT. In fiscal 2016, which ended on September 30, 2016, Siemens generated revenue of €79.6 billion and net income of €5.6 billion. At the end of September 2016, the company had around 351,000 employees worldwide. Further information is available on the Internet at www.siemens.com.
About GMIS As the world’s first cross-industry forum, GMIS is a global gathering for manufacturing minds. It is a voice and a venue for global manufacturing transformation. More than 1,200 delegates will attend, including world leaders, industry CEOs, policy-makers, specialist researchers and academics. GMIS will deliver (i) a voice for transformational ideas, (ii) a venue for the generation of new networks and cross-industry partnerships, (iii) a showcase for pilot projects arising from cross-industry research, and (iv) a post-event report with recommendations for action to be submitted to global stakeholders. It is planned that GMIS will be held in leading global cities every other year, with the inaugural GMIS in Abu Dhabi in March 2017. See www.gmisummit.com.
About Strata Strata Manufacturing PJSC (Strata) is a composite aero-structures manufacturing facility based in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates. Established in 2009, with production beginning in 2010, Strata has partnerships with the world’s leading aircraft manufacturers, Airbus and Boeing, as well as a supplier to Leonardo-Finmeccanica Aero-structures Division, FACC AG, SAAB and S.A.B.C.A.
Strata is wholly owned by Mubadala Development Company PJSC (Mubadala), the Abu Dhabi-based investment and development company.
Strata manufactures various parts on Airbus, Boeing and ATR aircrafts:
Airbus A330 family Flap Track Fairings
Airbus A330 family Ailerons
Airbus A330 family Spoilers
Airbus A380 family Flap Track Fairings
Airbus A350 – 900 family Flap Support Fairings
Airbus A350 – 1000 family Flap Support Fairings
ATR 42/72 Vertical Fin
ATR 42/72 Rudder
Boeing B777 Empennage Ribs; and
Boeing B787 Vertical Fin Ribs.
About Etihad Airways Engineering: Etihad Airways Engineering is the largest commercial aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services provider in the Middle East. As part of the Etihad Aviation Group, the company offers line, light and heavy maintenance services around the clock, including design, advanced composite repair, cabin refurbishment and component services, from its state-of-the-art facility adjacent to Abu Dhabi International Airport.
About Etihad Aviation Group: Etihad Aviation Group (EAG) is a diversified global aviation and travel group comprising five business divisions – Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, Etihad Airways Engineering, Etihad Airport Services, Hala Group and Airline Equity Partners. The group has minority investments in seven airlines: airberlin, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, Alitalia, Jet Airways, Virgin Australia, and Swiss-based Darwin Airline, trading as Etihad Regional. From its Abu Dhabi base, Etihad Airways flies to, or has announced plans to serve, more than 110 passenger and cargo destinations in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia and the Americas. The airline has a fleet of over 120 Airbus and Boeing aircraft, with 204 aircraft on firm order, including 71 Boeing 787s, 25 Boeing 777Xs, 62 Airbus A350s and 10 Airbus A380s. For more information, please visit: etihad.com “