Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing) Aircraft Parts and Tooling at the Maintenance Group Level
Abstract
The purpose of this research was to evaluate the effectiveness of additive manufacturing (AM) or 3D printing for the Air Force aircraft maintenance community and determine if the technology is applicable at the Maintenance Group (MXG) level.Specifically, this paper sought to answer one pivotal question, addressing if AM is mature enough to produce viable aircraft components for use and if so, prove the concept by printing an aircraft part for operational use. Research uncovered the 552d MXG at Tinker AFB efforts to create difficult to procure aircraft parts and tooling using a 3D printer. A case study of the 552d MXGs 3D printing operation explores their use of a Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) thermoplastic material to manufacture parts at the squadron level. This paper also explored recent innovations and methodologies used in AM within the aerospace industry. The research continued by applying the case study's analysis toward a proof of concept, producing a C-130J Aft Cargo Door Rub Strip for 3D printing. The study concluded by presenting Air Mobility Commands (AMC)leadership with a recommendation to field 3D printing suites for AMC units to leverage additive manufacturing as an alternate source for aircraft parts and tooling.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 16, 2016
- Accession Number
- AD1054244
Entities
People
- Michael J. Thompson
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology