Constellium N.V., Amsterdam, announces that it has formed a partnership with Stelia Aerospace and CT Ingenierie to optimize large aluminum aerostructures via additive manufacturing. Called Fast, the goal of the project is to make large aerospace structures and parts more efficiently and cost effectively by developing 3D printing on a large scale. In particular, 3D printing of a fuselage has the potential to transform the aerospace industry, allowing for easy design modification, duplication, and customization at a lower cost.
“The goal of the Fast project is to change the way innovative technologies are implemented and to expand the usage of 3D printing. 3D printing will allow us to create metal shapes and properties that were previously impossible to produce,” said Bruno Chenal, Director of R&D, Constellium Research and Technology. Fast is a long-term project that was formed last year and currently remains in early stages of development.
Constellium will act as the primary material supplier, while Stelia Aerospace will lead the design and production efforts and CT Ingenierie will optimize the design. 3D printing is already used widely in technology and extrusion manufacturing, but the large scale and the holistic optimization approach make this project unique.
