BAE Systems and 3D printing company Renishaw have formed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to improve additive manufacturing (AM) for the defense and aerospace sector.
The companies say that they want to improve the performance, reduce the costs and speed up the manufacturing processes of combat aircraft in future. The agreement also opens up opportunities for joint research and development, BAE said.
The company already reportedly owns several Renishaw 3D printers at its 1,000 m2 new product development and process development center (NPPDC).
BAE is already using AM technology to make production standard components for the Typhoon fighter aircraft and in the rapid prototyping of new technology concepts for the Tempest combat air system.
‘Additive manufacturing has and will continue to deliver significant benefits to our sector,’ said Andy Schofield, technology director for BAE Systems. ‘In an environment of fast developing technology and challenged budgets, collaboration and innovation are absolutely essential in order to retain cutting edge capability.’
This story uses material from BAE Systems, with editorial changes made by Materials Today. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent those of Elsevier.
