Aircraft Philipp Group Invests in Wire Arc Technology To Explore Additive Manufacturing of Aerospace Parts By Michael C. Gabriele
T
he Aircraft Philipp Group, Üebersee, Germany, is navigating a course in Europe to develop aerospace components via the additive manufacturing process. During the last two years, the company has invested $4.4 million (3.7 million Euros), gearing up for production of structural fuselage parts. A company spokesman pointed out that the company’s additive manufacturing activities “are still in a development stage. We are not producing any serial (commercial) parts right now. We are planning to introduce first serial parts based on direct energy deposition and wire arc technology in 2022.” Aircraft Philipp (website—English translation: www.aircraft-philipp. com) uses both metal powder and wire for its additive manufacturing operations. “Regarding powder, we are using titanium (Grade 5 TiAl6V4), Steel and Aluminum. For wire arc technology we are using titanium Grade 5 (TiAl6V4) and Inconel 614. We are also planning to use aluminum in future.” For powder, the company uses two EOS M290 machines on its factory floor. A GEFERTEC Arc605 machine based on FRONIUS wire arc technology (TPSI) is used for wire. Downstream production operations 12
TITANIUMTODAY
widespread interest in the potential of additive manufacturing, it remains a field that is still unfolding and in transition. “We are observing and analyzing permanently all new technologies,” he said. “Most important for introducing new additive manufacturing production machines is a positive business case. As soon as we see a chance of producing parts with better economic conditions by using additive manufacturing, we will implement this technology.” Additive manufacturing parts created by Aircraft Philipp.
for additive manufactured parts include machining, surface treatment, and painting. Analyzing Additive Manufacturing Technology, Cost/Performance As it continues to ramp up its additive manufacturing efforts, with a near-term target of commercial production, the spokesman said Aircraft Philipp closely monitors developments in leading-edge technology for materials and equipment. However, the company also carefully weighs the cost/benefit return on investment to determine commercial viability. Despite the
Aircraft Philipp’s cautious approach on the commercial viability of additive manufacturing technology is a point well taken. Art Kracke, the president of AAK Consulting LLC, in previous interviews with this publication, said that when it comes to assessing the potential future growth of the titanium powder metal sector, it’s all about identifying a “critical business inflection point. It’s important to remember that additive manufacturing is many technologies, not one thing. Additive manufacturing is an industry, not a single process.” Kracke has been involved in the titanium industry for over 40 years. The Aircraft Philipp spokesman added that a long-term goal for the
