
3D metal printers are already used in the aerospace industry. The wide freedom of design enables an optimization of the components to the respective case of loading and therefore helps to save weight. Especially when it comes to frequently used small parts, this reduction in weight quickly adds up and becomes significant. Furthermore, the time-consuming manufacturing process of many individual parts and a wide range of complex processing steps are no longer necessary, thus reducing the costs even further. Another advantage of 3D printing is the decentralized supply of printed spare parts, which can rapidly be made available.
Our ExAM systems offer the possibility to further expand the 3D printing process within the aerospace industry. In doing so, our approach offers several further advantages over conventional printing techniques, such as the SLM process. Due to the CEM process (composite extrusion modeling), which we have developed and which involves a subsequent sintering step, it is now possible to produce 3D printed metal parts of equal strength in all directions. An aspect which is especially interesting to the aerospace industry is the fact that it is also possible to print lightweight structures: the CEM process offers you the possibility to print hollow components or components filled with honeycomb structures, thus significantly reducing the weight of the printed object. In the near future, we plan on increasing our build space, enabling you to also print larger parts.