Image Credit: Arconic.com
Alcoa’s spinoff Arconic has signed two separate agreements with Airbus to supply 3D printed metal parts for the airplane maker’s commercial aircraft.
Image Credit: Arconic.com
Arconic CEO Klaus Kleinfeld said the two agreements expand the company’s collaboration with Airbus from earlier this year which saw Arconic supply 3D printed titanium fuselage and engine pylon components for Airbus commercial aircraft.
“We’re proud to deepen our partnership with Airbus through these agreements,” Mr Kleinfeld said.
“Airbus’s confidence in our additive manufacturing capabilities is grounded in Arconic’s comprehensive strengths—from aerospace know-how to metals powder production and product qualification expertise. We are pleased to support our customers and pave the way to the future of aerospace manufacturing.”
Under the agreements, Arconic will supply 3D printed ducting components made of high-temperature nickel superalloys for the A320 family of aircraft, as well as 3D printed titanium airframe brackets, also for the A320 program.
Advanced nickel superalloys offer superior heat resistance for these components, which flow hot air from the aero engine to other parts of the airframe.
According to reports, the two contracts have a combined value of approximately $1 billion.
Arconic expects to deliver the first parts under both agreements in the second quarter of 2017.
