Boeing is heavily involved in 3D printing, using multiple vendors to 3D print parts for aircraft such as the Dreamliner. But with such collaboration comes risk. While the vendors themselves may be perfectly trustworthy, electronic communication and transfer of parts carries the risk that hackers will intercept the information, stealing or altering intellectual property, which could be disastrous. So Boeing has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Assembrix, a company specializing in software that protects and secures data as it is being transferred between parties.
Assembrix’s cloud-based platform will allow Boeing to transmit additive manufacturing design information using secure distribution methods that protect data from being intercepted, corrupted or decrypted during distribution and manufacturing. The platform oversees the entire additive manufacturing thread, from the original part model to the verified physical part and beyond. It also allows for allocation and monitoring of 3D printers for multiple in-house users or outside clients, offering a fully automated and self-controlled process, leading to higher print utilization and ROI.
“This agreement expands Boeing’s ties to Israeli industry while helping companies like Assembrix expand their business,” said Boeign Israel President David Ivry. “Boeing seeks suppliers globally who meet stringent quality, schedule, cost and intellectual capital, and Assembrix does all of that.”
Boeing is currently using additive manufacturing at 20 of its sites and has suppliers all over the world, using them for 3D printed parts for its commercial, space and defense platforms. In addition to using 3D printed parts for the Dreamliner, Boeing has also recently commissioned them for its space taxis, satellites, and much more. The company has big goals including supersonic flights and transport to Mars, and 3D printing will help it more effectively pursue those goals, especially now that the technology is protected and secured by Assembrix’s software.
“We are pleased to partner with Boeing and value its confidence in us and in our capabilities,” said Assembrix CEO Lior Polak. “This collaboration supports our vision to develop and implement innovative solutions that connect the world and take the additive manufacturing digital thread one step forward.”
Assembrix is based in Israel and specializes in solutions for the aerospace, automotive and medical industries. Those solutions include Assembrix VMS, Assembrix Prepare, Assembrix Quote and Assembrix API. Boeing joins a growing list of customers that have used the Assembrix platform for secure, quick and simple quoting and communication, and for the management and protection of intellectual property.
“A growing number of our customers are successfully using the unique virtual 3D printers’ solution laid out by Assembrix, empowering them to readily send us prints of any size,” said Lavi Lev of customer UCT. “The innovative infrastructure allows UCT Singapore to allocate virtual manufacturing volumes in its 3D printers, and for our clients, industrial manufacturers, it enables sharing their designs, in an Airbnb-like ecosystem. In all, the system saves time and money, facilitates seamless communication with clients, optimizes planning and automates price quoting capabilities.”
Discuss this and other 3D printing topics at 3DPrintBoard.com or share your thoughts below.
Subscribe to Our Email Newsletter
Stay up-to-date on all the latest news from the 3D printing industry and receive information and offers from third party vendors.
You May Also Like
3DPOD Episode 190: Generative Design for 3D Printing with Novineer CEO Ali Tamijani
Ali Tamijani, a professor in the Department of Aerospace Engineering at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, has an extensive background in composites, tool pathing, and the development of functional 3D printed parts,...
3DPOD Episode 189: AMUG President Shannon VanDeren
Shannon VanDeren is a consultant in the 3D printing industry, focusing on implementation and integration for her company, Layered Manufacturing and Consulting. For nearly ten years, she has been involved...
3DPOD Episode 188: Clare Difazio of E3D – Growing the Industry, and Growing With the Industry
Clare DiFazio’s journey into the 3D printing industry was serendipitous, yet her involvement at critical moments has significantly influenced the sector. Her position as Head of Marketing & Product Strategy...
Printing Money Episode 15: 3D Printing Markets & Deals, with AM Research and AMPOWER
Printing Money returns with Episode 15! This month, NewCap Partners‘ Danny Piper is joined by Scott Dunham, Executive Vice President of Research at Additive Manufacturing (AM) Research, and Matthias Schmidt-Lehr,...