Airbus and the 3D Printed Future
This strategic move by Airbus serves as a powerful illustration of Acceleration—the speed at which deep-tech innovation is revolutionizing established global industries.
In 2015, Airbus acquired a pivotal patent allowing the construction of entire aircraft components, including wings and the fuselage, using 3D Printing (Additive Manufacturing). For businesses in the Texas aerospace and advanced manufacturing sectors, this case study underscores critical investment priorities.
Why This Matters to the innovationCAFE Ecosystem:
The shift to 3D printing offers game-changing efficiencies that drive R&D investment:
- Economic Efficiency & Speed: This technology provides the ability to drastically reduce massive order backlogs and produce parts far more quickly, efficiently, and economically—a direct boon to supply chain optimization.
- Superior Product Development: The method yields parts that are structurally more superior and geometrically more complex than those achieved through traditional methods, demanding new frontiers in materials science R&D.
- Sustainability & Compliance: Using lighter 3D-printed materials translates directly into lighter aircraft, which in turn burn less fuel, significantly reducing emissions and environmental impact. This aligns with the massive push toward green technology and sustainability within the Texas energy landscape.
3D printing is already making tremendous changes across many industries represented at innovationCAFE. It will be fascinating to watch how the commercial airline industry continues to leverage this technology to push the boundaries of engineering and economics.
Posted May 4, 2020 in: Event by Team
