Jun 19, 2015 | By Simon
As the use of direct metal laser sintering (DMLS) technology continues to increase in the aerospace industry, it’s no surprise that other companies in the 3D technology industry have started to take notice.
The process, which fuses metal powders into layers that result in a custom design using a laser, has been proving itself time and time again as a reliable form of manufacturing for everybody from helicopter part manufacturers and airplane interior designers to even world-class race car part manufacturers.
While other 3D printing processes have proven to be reliable for creating iterative prototypes, the use of DMLS technology allows for parts to be just as strong (and oftentimes stronger) than parts that have previously been created using more traditional manufacturing techniques. Add to that the ability to have these parts made fast and cheap and it becomes clear why it’s becoming so popular.
Among other companies that have been paying attention to the rise of DMLS technology includes France’s Dassault Systèmes, who many know of as the creators of the popular SolidWorks parametric CAD software, which is used by the majority of mechanical engineers and industrial designers in a studio environment for creating usable part designs and assemblies.
Today, the company has announced that they have established a partnership with Safran Group, a leading international high-technology group in aerospace, defense and security, to further develop “expertise in the virtual validation of the additive manufacturing process” using Dassault Systèmes’ 3DEXPERIENCE platform.
The partnership, which was announced at the Paris Air Show, will combine Dassault Systèmes’ 3DEXPERIENCE platform with Safran’s long-standing expertise in additive manufacturing technologies to help develop a world-class, end-to-end digital solution for 3D printing.
Among other components of the additive manufacturing ecosystem that the companies expect to further research and develop include material science and design, alternative manufacturing processes, generative design, 3D printing optimization, multi-robotic production and 3D printing certification, among others.
“(Our) long history of collaboration with Safran is now taking on a new dimension to embrace and integrate new materials and methods of engineering, production and maintenance that will significantly impact the aviation industry,” says Dominique Florack, Senior Executive Vice President, Research & Development, Dassault Systèmes.
“Our 3DEXPERIENCE platform’s strategy covers all aspects of the additive manufacturing process, from material design to conceptual design, generative design to manufacturing, and certification to repair. Together with Safran, we can nurture virtual world processes for a complete approach in this field that will help revolutionize tomorrow’s manufacturing.”
The partnership comes as Dassault Systèmes continues to expand their 3D software offerings into new industries and applications including the medical industry, which is also seeing a surge of interest surrounding the potential for additive manufacturing technologies.
“Research and technology is a fundamental part of Safran, allowing us to drive continuous improvements for safer and more environmental-friendly air travel,” says Pierre Fabre, the Senior Executive Vice President R&T, Innovation, Safran.
“Safran is currently leading the field in using 3D printing technology to manufacture its engines. By pooling expertise with Dassault Systèmes and its 3DEXPERIENCE platform, we can accelerate the innovation process and better meet customers' needs.”
Posted in 3D Printing Applications
Maybe you also like:
- New lightweight & customizable bionic prosthetic Nu Hand launches on Kickstarter
- 'Tactum' By MadLabs & Autodesk lets you design 3D printed wearables directly on your body
- Get started with animatronics with this 3D printed tail project
- Chinese doctors use 3D printed replicas to practice separating conjoined twins
- Sir Bradley Wiggins breaks cycling's hour record with 3D printed handlebars
- PepsiCo is creating new deep-ridged potato chips on 3D printers
- Daniel Fox 3D prints very impressive automaton that does pushups when you turn the crank
- Designers create fully 3D printed playset based on iconic Mexican painter Frida Kahlo
3Ders.org provides the latest news about 3D printing technology and 3D printers. We are now seven years old and have around 1.5 million unique visitors per month.
