3D Printing- myth or reality? Let’s see the real cases

In air and space industry approx. 10,2% of all 3D printers are used

Air and space industry also is a pioneer in the use of additive manufacturing. Companies like GE, Airbus, Rolls-Rouce, Boeing began actively cooperate with the institutions, which develop the science work in the field of additive manufacturing, began to absorb some of the companies that tested the future implementation in the industry.

Aircraft F-18, which is in use for more than 20 years, have 90 parts, manufactured using 3DP, because another way to make the missing parts is not possible. F-35 (a new fighter-bomber) today is already made out of more than 900 parts produced using 3DP.

Airbus is already saves several million dollars annually because this company has replaced some components, which were produced in the usual manner, by components, produced with the help of 3DP. For example, in aircraft were replaced all titanium brackets by brackets manufactured with the help of 3DP, that reduces aircraft weight by 2.5 kg. This weight reduction has led to the fact that the company managed to save 650,000 euros per year, due to the decreased consumed fuel.
Company Kelly Manufacturing Co.  manufactures parts for navigation equipment on board for the aircrafts. Using additive manufacturing helps to decrea lead time of the production of one detail  to three days (decrease by 93%), and leads to the price reduction (minus 5%)

According to Deloitte University research, this sector is the most promising for the development of additive manufacturing