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reduced weight of printed components
combined with optimisation of the strength
of the parts produced. Video monitor
shrouds that are 3D printed using the
Selective Laser Sintering technique can
weigh between 9% and 13% lighter than
components manufactured traditionally or
through the Fusion Deposition Modelling
technique. This has the potential to lead to
significant reductions in fuel emissions and
costs when consolidated over the entire fleet
of Emirates aircraft.
Additionally, with the Selective Laser
Sintering technique it is possible to print
more than one component at a time when
compared with other 3D printing methods.
This leads to quicker per-part production
times and lesser wastage of raw materials
used for production.
Emirates’ 3D printed video monitor shrouds
have undergone a range of structural,
durability, flammability and chemical tests
and are also in the process of receiving EASA
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certification for airworthiness for aircraft
interior cabin parts. On receiving EASA
certification the video monitor shrouds will
be installed on select aircraft in the Emirates
fleet and will be tracked over the following
months for data collection as part of tests for
on board durability and wear and tear.
Emirates has also worked with UUDS to
develop 3D printed aircraft cabin air vent
grills that have received EASA certification
and have already been installed on aircraft
for on-board trials in late October 2017.
“Over the last two years Emirates
Engineering has been actively exploring
3D printing for aircraft cabin parts as it is
a transformational technology that can be
used to achieve an increase in efficiency
and productivity,” said Ahmed Safa,
Emirates Senior Vice President, Engineering
Support Services.
“We worked with a number of suppliers
to develop prototypes of 3D printed
cabin parts but ultimately decided on
working with 3D Systems and UUDS. The
technology we use has the potential to
deliver cabin parts with reduced weight
without compromising on structural
integrity or cosmetic appeal.”
Using 3D printing will also deliver a number
of other benefits for Emirates including
more efficient inventory management
for thousands of aircraft cabin interior
components. With the airline being able
to print components on demand within a
smaller time-frame, it will no longer have to
hold a large inventory of spare components
or have to go through long wait times for
replacement components.
Emirates will evaluate the performance and
durability of the 3D printed air vent grills
and video monitor shrouds before further
roll out across its fleet. The airline will also
continue to pursue other opportunities for
introducing 3D printed components across
its operations. n
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