RUAG Australia, a subsidiary of Swiss RUAG Airlines, is currently conducting a two-year project to study the application of laser metal deposition (a type of 3D printing technology, referred to as LMD) in the maintenance and manufacturing of components . LMD technology can reduce spare parts waiting time, thereby reducing maintenance downtime, and greatly improving aircraft availability and operational readiness.
LMD is essentially a high-tech welding process in which metal parts are reconstructed layer by layer. Similar to 3D printing technology, metal powder is sent into a laser beam and deposited on the surface in a precise network structure. The researchers said that LMD's adhesion is very strong, which allows it not only to make spare parts, but also to repair existing parts, and to make repaired parts as good or better than the original.
Matthew, senior manager of senior technical and engineering solutions at RUAG Australia, said the ultimate goal of the project is to provide innovative and cost-effective continuous assurance solutions through this technology, reduce life cycle costs, and through maintenance and real-time manufacturing To maintain good usability.
LMD technology can be used to make or repair high-strength steel aircraft parts. During manufacturing, LMDs are often ideal for small, complex, high-load "low-capacity" parts, such as titanium components. The project's research team is evaluating how LMD can reduce costs in areas such as maintenance and spare parts procurement, scrap metal management, warehousing and transportation.
The project currently focuses on how LMD can be applied to existing military aircraft platforms and newer systems, such as the F-35 fighter fleet.