Boeing airplane first to fly with FAA-Approved 3D Titanium component

The well-known aerospace company has just obtained US Federal Aviation Authority certification to produce its 787 Dreamliner model with additive-manufactured structural Titanium.

To design the specific component, Boeing has collaborated with Norsk Titanium AS, the world’s pioneering supplier of aerospace-grade and additive manufactured, structural titanium components.

Norsk Titanium CEO, Warren M. Boley Jr declared: “We are proud to take this historical step with a great aerospace innovator like Boeing. The Norsk Titanium team will continue to expand the portfolio of components supplied to Boeing meeting stringent certification requirements. It is an honor to earn FAA approval for these structural parts.”

The Titanium component, used in the 787 Dreamliner airplanes, is produced by Norsk’s Rapid Plasma Deposition (RPD) 3D process. This method consists of melting titanium wire in an inert argon gas environment. It allows to significantly reduce raw material cost and energy consummation during the production.

John Byrne, vice president, Airplane Materials and Structures, Supplier Management, Boeing Commercial Airplanes said: “We are always looking at the latest technologies to drive cost reduction, performance and value to our customers and Norsk Titanium’s RPD™ capability fits the bill in a new and creative way.”

Boeing 787 Dreamliner is to stand as the first commercial airplane to fly with 3D-printed, Additive-manufactured, structural titanium components.