Industrial 3D printer manufacturerEssentiumhas announced that the101st Air Refueling Wing (ARW),缅因州国民警卫队正在使用EssentiumHigh-Speed Extrusion (HSE) 3D Printing PlatformandEssentiumPCTG用于印刷的飞行控制维修培训辅助工具，以帮助保持传统卫兵的熟练程度。
To create training aids resembling genuine parts, the 101st ARW chose Essentium’s 3D Printing Platform for its speed, accuracy, and low-cost materials. The fully trained guardsmen help increase the lifespan of aircraft parts, reduce instances of downed aircraft, and eliminate safety of flight issues.
“This valuable tool has also caught the attention of other local military components, such as the Maine Army National Guard, who began requesting similar training aids for their rotary aircraft. We’re excited that the Essentium HSE is currently being used as a cross-functional force multiplier that can shape the future of readiness across the joint force,” said Blake Teipel, Ph.D., CEO, of Essentium.
为什么工程师选择Essentium HSE 180 ST 3D打印机？
Engineers at the 101st ARW developed a training aid for the outboard aileron balance tab in one weekend using the Essentium HSE 180 ST 3D Printer. This is a crucial flight control aspect with aircraft attachment points that wear out frequently. Guardsmen machine new holes, install bushings, inspect for accuracy, and install them to restore the outboard aileron balance tab to factory specifications. Spare aileron balance tabs, on the other hand, are scarce and typically reserved for in-flight repairs. These parts are challenging to maintain when combined with the challenges of retaining experienced professionals in aileron balance tabs, says the company.
修理有故障会永久损坏飞机零件，因此需要更换。如果该零件没有立即可用，则飞机可能会崩溃。在最坏的情况下，如果零件无法正确固定并导致飞行安全问题，则可能会丢失飞机。
The part must retain its dimension when aluminum components are pressed into it to be an effective training aid. The 101st ARW engineers chose Essentium PCTG because of its low cost, ideal surface finish, and impact strength. The 101st ARW now has quick and repeatable access to these rare parts thanks to the Essentium HSE 180 ST 3D Printer and Essentium PCTG.
Guardsmen can utilize technical data that applies to the part to repair it employing the Essentium HSE’s scale model of the part, just as they would with the actual part.
“For this application, we chose Essentium over other printers because it can print faster and more accurately with external dimensions. The material cost is also relatively less,” said Master Sgt. Jason Howes. “You can’t put a value on having proficiently trained guardsmen. The confidence they get from putting their hands on the product, understanding what the result will look like, and gaining muscle memory is simply invaluable.”
通过增材制造加强国防部门
以前，澳大利亚3D金属印刷公司AML3D， 和BAE Systems, a British multinationalarms company, announced a prototyping purchase agreement withBAE Systems Australia。该协议将通过研究零件的生存能力和原型制作来帮助BAE Systems澳大利亚的合同制造9个猎人级护卫舰。原型组件将帮助BAE Systems Australia履行其与Australian Department of Defenceto design and build nine Hunter class frigates for the澳大利亚皇家海军。
此外，UK Ministry of Defence(MoD) was looking to build a supplier network competent in 3D printing military-grade spare parts on demand. As part of ‘Project TAMPA,’ the MoD aimed to build a multi-supplier framework capable of 3D printing lighter, stronger metal parts as needed. If this is accomplished, the UK government department expects to reduce lead times for军事设备and weaponry while enhancing the availability of difficult-to-source obsolete parts.
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Feature image shows Essentium and Maine National Air Guard representatives. Image via Essentium.
