24/01/24
Aviation MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) tools refer to the specialized equipment, software, and resources used to keep aircraft in peak condition, essential for ensuring the safety, reliability, and airworthiness of aircraft. Aerospace MRO tools may need to be customized or produced in low-volume, a perfect task for BigRep large-format 3D printers.
The aerospace industry was drastically effected by the Covid-19 pandemic, with flights halted and planes grounded. As MRO tools are integral to the safe storage of aircraft, several BigRep customers found their 3D printers as essential to produce the parts they needed, while even improving their performance and speeding up production from months to just weeks.
SOLUTIONS WITH 3D-PRINTED MRO
When the UK’s Ministry of Defense and Leonardo found that their pre-existing helicoptor blade restraint cradles were not living up to their standard, they turned to SFM Technology to develop the first 3D-printed blade restraint cradles. measuring 900x230x160 mm, the restraints are post-processed to withstand weather and seawater to outperform parts made using traditional methods.
SFM uses the BigRep PRO to 3D print the end-use parts with BigRep’s HI-TEMP CF filament.
3D printed restraints are fitted with hardware including a clamp to secure the helicopter blades in place.
Finally, the 3D-printed end-use parts are post-processed to withstand weather and seawater.
Accelerated Maintenance with 3D-Printed Aircraft Engine Covers
COVID-19 ignited a domino effect in global supply chains and, specifically, airlines encountered limited ground-service equipment availability. Scandinavian Airlines needed additional engine exhaust covers for their grounded planes, but short supplies and increased demand made this impossible. Therefore, CNE Engineering developed 3D printed molds for low-volume production of urethane engine covers, avoiding blocked supply chains and delivering within weeks.
CNE 3D prints molds using the BigRep ONE and STUDIO with HI-TEMP CF, PLX, and TPU 98A.
The 3D-printed mold are combined to cast urethane plugs, which are chemically resistant and UV tolerant.
Scandinavian Airlines needed less than 100 engine covers to be produced quickly and inexpensively.
BIGREP – PRO
BIGREP – STUDIO G2
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