3D printing has impacted innovation on nearly every level; however, some industries are undeniably defined as more important—and especially when they affect worldwide defense, aerospace applications, and security. Operating in over 40 countries, you may be surprised to learn what a dynamic force BAE Systems has already been in 3D printing—from opening additive manufacturing facilities to creating partnerships to involvement in hybrid 3D printing projects. Now, as they announce radical design and production changes, suppliers must begin to adjust—not only to innovation in design but increased reliance on robotics for production.
BAE will be manufacturing 30 percent of its Tempest fighter jet parts via 3D printing, with yet another facility opening in Warton, Lancashire. This new “first-of-its-kind” smart factory will also see Tempest parts being assembled by robots on the assembly line. Along with advanced automation, engineers at the new facility will employ virtual and augmented reality in creating combat aircraft.
As the worldwide economy has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, industrial leaders must seek more affordable methods of production. Relying further on the benefits of additive manufacturing, BAE Systems is able to save on the bottom line, as well as cutting time in production by half; in fact, for one rear fuselage part, BAE has gone from taking two years for manufacturing to two months. Enjoying another of the greatest advantages with 3D printing too, BAE now has the option of 3D printing more components in-house rather than sending them to a middleman for production.
While the company may be increasing its usage of 3D printing now, like a handful of other organizations and companies, BAE has actually been using the technology for 20 years. Beginning with rapid prototyping (the initial, intended use for 3D printers in aiding engineers), the BAE team has evolved into 3D printing standard, functional parts for aircraft like the Typhoon. Working with both Renishaw and Stratasys, new doors have opened up offering access to even greater AM resources—allowing BAE to strengthen its presence within the industry through revolutionizing research, design, development, and actual production of aircraft systems.
[Source / Images: New Atlas]“Driving our manufacturing capabilities forward as we prepare for the fourth industrial revolution will sustain and develop critical skillsets and ensure we can continue to deliver military capability to address future threats, whilst improving productivity and delivering value for money for our customers,” said BAE Systems Air Manufacturing Director Dave Holmes, upon the opening of the new smart factory.
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
3D Printing News Briefs, November 25, 2023: Housing, Seed Funding, & More
We’re starting with additive construction news in this Thanksgiving weekend edition of 3D Printing News Briefs, and then moving on to seed funding and a Memorandum of Understanding. Finally, we’ll...
AeroEdge and 3DOS Collaborate to Advance Additive Manufacturing in Japan
In a time when quick turnaround in manufacturing is essential, AeroEdge (TYO: 7409), a stalwart of the aerospace industry in Ashikaga, Japan, and 3DOS, a Silicon Valley-based tech company, have...
3D Printing Webinar and Event Roundup: October 29, 2023
It looks like Stratasys may be wrapping up its North American roadshow this week; that’s first up in our 3D Printing Webinar and Event Roundup. ICAM 2023 will be in...
Wabtec Adopts Nikon SLM Solutions Metal 3D Printing for New Railway Center in France
In a key development for both the railway and additive manufacturing (AM) industries, Nikon SLM Solutions has partnered with Wabtec, one of the world’s leading rail technology companies, to open...