A cavalcade of aerospace excellence

The Paris International Airshow, held this year from June 17-23, always provides a diverse selection of companies within the global aerospace industry. Aerospace Manufacturing takes a look at what some of the exhibitors will be offering at the event.

 

We begin our rundown of exhibitors with 3T additive manufacturing (hall 4, stand D51) who have been manufacturing and producing 3D printed components with polymer and metal materials using SLS and DMLS technologies for 20 years.

With its suite of EOS machines, the company works closely with customers by forming partnerships that enable it to provide our expertise knowledge early on in their design process, ensuring best results are gained.

Accredited to ISO9001 and AS9100 Rev D standards, 3T prides itself on quality, consistency and full traceability. The company will be showcasing the copper rocket engine parts it manufactured for the Launcher space programme, parts it has produced for Gravity, lightweight air brackets and safety-critical, fully functioning components specific to the aerospace industry.

Moving on, Aertec Solutions (hall 2a, stand D292), an international engineering and technology company says it has rolled out solutions in more than 100 international airports, in 40 countries. Likewise, it develops unmanned aerial systems with its proprietary technology. The company was recently appointed by the European Defence Agency as a leader in the development of a laser emitter technology to be used in on-board countermeasure systems against anti-air threats, such as RPAS self-protection.

Aertec Solutions will showcase its latest developments in simulation environments for RPAS, which come to join its wide range of innovative aerospace solutions. The company designs, reproduces and integrates different simulation environments in any space, taking into account requirements and needs of the client. Fully customised solutions that allow a simulated response with a very high degree of realism, since the company integrate their own autopilots like Hardware in the Loop (HIL) and all the necessary variables to simulate missions with different levels of complexity. These simulation environments are currently applied for crew training, and above all, for the evaluation and modification of highly complex missions.

The company is currently a preferred supplier of the Airbus Group for manufacturing engineering and programme management services for its civil and military aircraft, as well as providing its know-how and experience in industrialisation activities, manufacturing support, installation and design and production support, in addition to test systems engineering.

Master of alloys

Meanwhile, AMETEK Specialty Metal Products (hall 2b, stand G160) says it continues to meet the titanium needs of the global aerospace supply chain. The company comprises Reading Alloys, Hamilton Precision Metals, Superior Tube and Fine Tubes, AMETEK SMP Wallingford and AMETEK SMP Eighty Four - each with an individual history that in some cases stretches back more than 75 years.

Reading Alloys is regarded as one of the pioneers of the modern titanium industry having been instrumental in the development of many of the titanium alloys available today, including Ti 6A/4V. Master alloys and powder coatings made with Reading Alloys’ high-performance materials are key elements for future generation products in aerospace markets, where superior precision and quality are essential.

UK-based Fine Tubes and US-based Superior Tube both produce seamless tubes in titanium for the aerospace industry covering grades 1, 2, 5 (Ti 6Al/4V) and 9 (Ti 3Al/2.5V). Both businesses are experienced in cold-working and other processes required to convert a specific grade of titanium into a product that can deal with challenging conditions. Fine Tubes, for example, is among the few suppliers qualified to produce the high-pressure titanium tubes used in the hydraulic systems of the Airbus A350 and A380 operating at up to 5,000psi. It also manufacturers tubes for Airbus Defence and Space as well as Airbus Helicopters.

In the next hall, Benchmark Electronics (hall 3, stand A80), a global provider of manufacturing, technology solutions, engineering and design services will showcase its advanced manufacturing processes and ability to design and build the best hardware solution applications for the aerospace and defence sectors.

Benchmark combines all of its capabilities to offer design for excellence, size, weight and power optimisation, processes and building blocks that increase an OEM’s ability to achieve requirements in a shorter time to market. The company is driving innovation for critical industry needs such as miniaturisation, computing power, communication optimisation and sensor integration.

Benchmark’s solutions on display at the Paris Airshow will include: a low power wireless development kit designed for rugged, harsh and noisy environments that enables wireless audio, wireless data, mesh networking, and location tracking in mobile environments. The device can’t be interfered with nor does it interfere with other wireless/wired systems; Leading Liquid Crystal Polymer (LCP) technology for miniaturising product design, including avionic and mission control systems; printed circuit boards with embedded cooling for temperature stabilisation in a densely packed electronic environment; technology platforms that integrate data from multiple surveillance and tracking solutions to provide complete situational awareness in areas with or without physical barriers; micro-electronics and mixed technology capabilities in engineering and manufacturing.

Elsewhere, Boyce Precision Engineering will be exhibiting on the Invest NI stand located in (hall 2B, stand G172). As a flexible and dynamic CNC precision machining company based in Northern Ireland, the company will be showcasing its current CNC capabilities and supply chain solutions. Boyce Precision Engineering has recently invested over £1million in the latest CNC manufacturing machinery, complemented with a brand new 18,000ft2 facility. The company is AS9100 Rev D certified and accredited with a Bronze SC21 Award, proving it can perform to the levels expected in the aerospace sector.

All-electric structures

Along the aisle, Carboman Group (hall 2B, stand B67), specialists in development, prototyping and the manufacturing of high-end composite structures, has announced it is collaborating with Eviation Aircraft, a global manufacturer of all-electric air mobility solutions on Eviation’s Alice - an all-electric aircraft structure that will debut at the Paris Airshow.

Carboman will also showcase composite parts for new mobility flying solutions and announce latest capacity expansions for aerospace customers in the aviation and space sectors at the aviation industry’s largest show.

The synergistic structure of Carboman enables its component companies of Multiplast, Decision, and SNE-SMM to collaborate efficiently with new entrants and established manufacturers.

Multiplast will present its new carbon fibre fuselage for Eviation’s first all-electric regional aircraft that will debut at the show. The 9 pax Eviation Alice uses the lightest possible carbon fibre composite airframe to provide a cost-effective 650-mile range using a sustainable, low noise and zero-emission electric propulsion system.

Decision will also launch components for several projects in the new mobility sector. These autonomous and piloted eVTOL aircraft are a rapidly growing market and, with its extensive development and prototyping requirements, form a key part of the group’s future strategy.

As a group, Carboman will also announce plans for expanding its production infrastructure for both aerospace tooling and components.

SNE-SMM, the Brittany-based composite tooling specialist, joined the group in late 2017. Now fully-integrated into the Carboman family, SMM’s 5-axis CNC equipment that includes a massive 46m x 10m x 5m CMS machine and team of 35, offer tooling from ultra-large prototyping moulds to high temperature composite tools for serial production.

In addition, Decision will also add a new aerospace certified 2.2m x 6m 250°C 10bar autoclave at its Ecublens site, significantly upscaling the size of structural components that can be produced for aerospace customers.

“Our mission at Carboman has always been to develop the construction methods for tomorrow’s composite structures and we are excited to be working on so many aerospace projects now,” comments Dominique Dubois, CEO, Carboman Group. “Combining the highest technical standards with an ultra-efficient European infrastructure and quality standard, Carboman is perfectly placed to deliver the next generation of high-performance carbon fibre aerostructures and components.”

Elsewhere, Ceratizit (hall 3, stand B38) will present its cutting tool solutions at the event. The Ceratizit Group has brought together four of the world’s leading brands: cutting solutions by Ceratizit, Komet, WNT and Klenk which forms the new Team Cutting Tools as a global full solution supplier within the cutting industry. Team Cutting Tools will use its attendance at the Airshow to highlight its expertise in the aerospace industry.

With the recent integration of German precision tool manufacturer Komet, the Ceratizit Group now employs more than 9,000 people across the world. The addition of Komet along with competence brand Klenk has created a new and dynamic structure for the aerospace sector, which will be highlighted at the show. Klenk is primarily focussed on the aerospace sector and a well-known name within this industry. Many of its products are custom-designed for individual customer needs where it applies its specific knowledge of machining materials such as carbon fibre, titanium, aluminium and steel.

At the event, visitors will also gain insight into specific product ranges that play an important role in the aerospace sector. One of these solutions is the optimised milling tool MaxiMill211–K, which is suitable for aerospace production requirements. The MaxiMill 211-K features inserts and geometry that creates a clean cut and permits high cutting rates, as well as optimising cutter stability. Process reliability and quality is guaranteed through an integrated chip space that delivers optimal chip clearance.

When it comes to tool life and chip removal, the Ceratizit Group has set the benchmark for titanium machining with its insert grade CTC5240. With its fine-grained carbide and a hardwearing CVD coating, CTC5240 withstands the rigours of machining highly-abrasive materials, even with a cutting speed of 60m/min. The secret lies in the highly-viscous base substrate which guarantees, in combination with a thin DVD layer, a good ratio between abrasion and tool life.

“We like to show our expertise in the aerospace sector and are looking forward to informing and updating all visitors at our booth,” said Jean-Charles Montero, managing director Ceratizit France.

A flying finish

And here’s CPI (hall 2B, stand E64), an enabler of tailored solutions around manufacturing. The 100% services company is a complementary partner for its customers, providing competences and resources for the implementation of industrialisation projects. Activities comprise machining strategy, CNC programming, CMM programming, start-up assistance, industrial control implementation, applied trainings and development of 4.0 data monitoring applications.

Headquartered in Luxembourg, and with offices in France and Mexico, CPI assists in the installation or transfer of product lines, to absorb engineering peaks, to train on new procedures, methods or software, and in the improvement of already existing processes in the aerospace, automotive, naval, and military sectors. CPI’s multi competences knowledge and experienced team displayed for customer proximity and cost flexibility is put in place to achieve one main objective: production optimisation.

Moving into hall 3 and you’ll find Dynabrade (hall 3, stand C38), one of the leaders in the design and manufacture of pneumatic power tools. The company will debut several new products designed specifically for aerospace tool operators with the intent of increasing productivity and providing solutions to the myriad of challenging applications manufacturing or repairing an aircraft present.

Throughout its 50-year history, Dynabrade has sought the feedback of tool operators with the goal of providing the ideal tool, abrasive and clean air solution for industrial manufacturing applications. A variety of new portable air tools will be presented at this year’s Airshow. Traditional die grinder designs have been optimised for aerospace applications by decreasing weight and overall size while increasing durability. Additionally, sanding application solutions aimed at insulating operators and aircraft surfaces from potentially hazardous static discharges will be on hand.

Dynabrade has a keen focus not only optimisation, but on innovation. New and innovative drills also make their debut in June. New to the design is a multi-position, rotating head allowing operators to orient the working end of the tool for the most ergonomic and effective position for the task. An innovation of this nature enhances productivity, and helps an operator reach confined areas while working in a natural hand and arm position.

Optimisation and innovation are central to the relationship Dynabrade strives to build with manufacturers, but the health and safety of tool operators is paramount to the company. A critical component of operator safety is providing clean air solutions. The Raptor Vac family of vacuums is ideally suited for use within aerospace manufacturing facilities. The ability to capture potentially harmful airborne particulates and render them inert is especially important to workplace safety.

Moving on, Gardner Aerospace (hall 2B, stand E140), one of the leading global manufacturers of components, is looking forward to exhibiting at the Airshow and will be making various announcements during the show. The company has recently made a number of staff appointments, most notably the announcement of Dominic Cartwright as its new CEO, as part of a redefined global strategy. The company has been expanding its international footprint in recent years, following its acquisition in 2017 by Chinese investment firm Ligeance Aerospace Technologies Co., emphasised by the construction of its 450,000ft2 manufacturing site in Chengdu, China. The facility, set to open later this year, will enable Gardner Aerospace to service the rapidly developing Chinese market and work directly with clients based in the Asia-Pacific region, exhibiting the exact same high standards in operation at its various facilities in Europe and India.

The company will also be announcing several contract wins at the show, further strengthening its existing relationships with leading aerospace firms Airbus, Bombardier, GKN and AECC. The work contained within these new contract wins will be carried out across Gardner Aerospace’s network of facilities, including Derby, Mazeres in France and Mielec and Tczew in Poland. A number of senior executives will be on hand during the show to discuss the company’s recent developments and future plans in more detail.

Bringing together a unique combination of expertise to keep aerospace original equipment manufacturers and their partners flying high above the competition, GF Machining Solutions and GF Casting Solutions will take to the world stage together at the Airshow.

Partnerships in excellence

Visitors to the event won’t want to miss the two GF Divisions’ 50m2 exhibition space (hall 4, stand A78). This is the place where the global aerospace market will discover how GF Machining Solutions and GF Casting Solutions - through its GF Precicast entity - breathe life into their Paris Airshow theme: “We move your application ahead”.

From manufacturing equipment and additive manufacturing (AM) technology to precision casting (also known as investment casting), the two GF Divisions add value to a variety of high-value aerospace components. These include helicopter diffusers and structural parts, impellers, airfoils, turbine disks, outlet guide vanes, bearing supports, hubs, and structural parts.

At the event, the divisions will present evidence of their collective competence: one of the largest 3D printed parts for an aircraft engine. This part, a turbine rear vane (TRV), was developed at GF Machining Solutions’ and GF Casting Solutions’ new AMotion Centre in Stabio, Switzerland.

Printed in only 48 hours with a 60µm layer thickness, the TRV was perfectly executed with a combination of technologies: GF Machining Solutions and 3D Systems’ workflow-optimised DMP Factory 500 metal AM printing solution for the build; GF Machining Solutions’ wire Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) machine for separating the TRV from the build platform; 3DXpert all-in-one software; and LaserFORM Ni718 metal powder. The DMP Factory 500, with its 500 x 500 x 500mm build envelope, is the perfect metal AM printing solution for creating seamless large parts at increased quality and lower total cost.

Not surprisingly, the AMotion Centre in Stabio is gaining ground as a go-to source for AM expertise covering the whole manufacturing value chain. That’s because it offers consulting and training; design, engineering and development; rapid prototyping; part qualification; serial production; and ready-to-mount solutions.

As a result, manufacturers profit from short development cycles, unlimited possibilities in terms of shape, use of a wide variety of materials; deep know-how in serial part production; and an in-house R&D team with proven success in three key AM technologies: laser powder bed fusion and electron beam powder bed fusion for direct manufacturing of metal components, and direct energy deposition for reworking components, producing hybrid cast and additively manufactured products, and manufacturing large parts. Moreover, the AMotion Centre is among the top five organisations worldwide to hold the latest Nadcap certification.

At this year’s show, GKN Aerospace (chalet 379) will focus on the expanding technological capabilities that will make a significant contribution to a sustainable aerospace future and that are driving company growth. GKN Aerospace will announce record investments and expansions in its four global technology centres (GTC) in 2019.

The GTC’s in UK, the Netherlands, Sweden and US, are collaborative spaces for research and talent skills development within the local eco-system networks, academia and GKN Aerospace’s supply chain. Each centre has a unique technology focus - covering AM, thermoplastics and smart aero engine systems - and is supported and linked by a clear digital strategy.

GKN Aerospace says it is one of the technology leaders in AM, with AM components flying on multiple platforms. AM transforms metal manufacture, dramatically lowering critical ‘buy to fly’ costs by producing complex near-net-shape geometries with lower material waste and at reduced cost in energy and carbon emissions. In Paris GKN will announce new AM programmes in engine systems and aerostructures.

Within its advanced composites activity, the company is working on improving every step of the manufacturing process from high rate automated deposition through to alternative curing and joining methods, rapid NDT, surface protection and coatings and automated laser repair of damaged structure. The development towards large thermoplastic primary structures, focus of the Dutch GTC, is reaching the next level, working in close collaboration with a major customer.

In its transparencies business, GKN aims to further develop its hydrophobic coating technology. The permanent surface treatment delivers in-flight/ground operation rain shedding and significantly enhances resistance to surface abrasion. The technology is being flight trialled in the US and is now undergoing performance assessment with Airbus on its flight-test aircraft. This technology potentially eliminates the need for windscreen wipers on cockpit windows. GKN Aerospace is one of the market leaders in aircraft windows with its CrystalVue II passenger window - being the window of choice for aircraft manufacturers and airlines worldwide, with over 2.5 million in service today.

Spain gains ground

A big hola to Spanish company, Grabysur located in the Spanish Pavilion (hall 1, stand E322). As one of the few European manufacturers of illuminated panels for aircraft and helicopters cockpits, it will attend the Airshow with its new portfolio of HMI products.

The company designs and manufactures integrated control panels, digital keyboards units, bezels, displays, control units and knobs, as well as maintenance and repair of these navigation and control instruments. It highlights its first custom-made backlit silicone keypad for both civil and military industry, resistant to extreme environmental conditions and without minimum order. This illuminated silicone keypad is applicable in naval, terrestrial and aerospace industries and, in general, in any sector in which there is an exposure to extreme environmental conditions. It is IP65 certified, one of the most demanding protection standards of the industry, which guarantees resistance against agents such as water or dust.

Grabysur has also recently launched a new product called RUGDZLIGHT, a Backlit metal panel for cockpits manufactured with its own state-of-the-art technology, made in anodised aluminium, and which has the capacity to illuminate any legend or symbol in metallic parts or other types of surfaces. As with the rest of its HMI solutions, Grabysur is in charge of the complete product life cycle, from design to manufacturing.

LISI Aerospace (hall 2A, stand B251) will showcase a stand focused on innovation and industrial excellence at the Airshow. Innovation and industrial excellence are the two pillars that are said to characterise the company.

With its recent title of ‘Showcase Industry of the Future’ awarded by the French Alliance Industrie du Futur, LISI Aerospace will present its progress in the field of Industry 4.0 through a video made at its production sites. On its booth, which will take the shape of an airplane, LISI Aerospace will devote several sections to its innovations: Additive Manufacturing Area: presentation of the latest products in 3D printing and machine capability; Innovation Area: presentation of a prototype part of the Falcon 5X assembled with an automated one-sided system and OPTIBLIND blind fasteners developed by LISI as part of the ROBOID project with the support of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGAC); Engine Area: as a leading supplier of engine applications, presentation of parts for engines, including LEAP, for all Airbus A320s, Boeing B737 new generation aircraft and Comac C919 aircraft.

Finally, there will also be podiums highlighting complex applications for helicopters, such as solutions for landing gear and cargo hooks for the transport of external loads during the flight.

MADES, also located in the Spanish Pavilion (hall 1, stand E322) is a rugged hi-tech mission leader specialising in the manufacture of critical electronic systems, such as communications, control electronics, actuation systems, sensors, mission systems and other sophisticated electronic equipment.

Its range of services comprises the full supply chain of the electronic product, including design, industrialisation, functional test development, obsolescence management, strategic purchasing, manufacturing, test, integration and programme support. All of these services are included as part of the comprehensive solution that MADES provides over the entire life cycle of the product.

MADES quality is supported by the EN 9100 and NATO PECAL/AQAP 2110 certifications and Nadcap 7120 Electronics accreditation. Process controls and functional testing are key to guarantee consistency. These include automated optical inspection, flying probe tests, 3D X-ray inspections and in-circuit tests as well as mistake-proofing procedures. The company possesses strong capabilities on environmental stress screening such as heat, moisture, shock and stability-under-vibration tests.

In the next hall, Oerlikon (hall 2b, stand G79) says its aerospace customers benefit from solutions that improve safety, aircraft power and fuel efficiency. Functional coatings, process technologies and advanced materials for the aerospace industry not only meet their exact technical requirements, but are also as efficient and cost-effective as possible.

The three surface technology specialists, Oerlikon Balzers, Oerlikon Metco and Oerlikon AM, support customers throughout their entire value chain by providing a portfolio that ranges from coatings for cutting tools for the machining of aerospace components to wear protection for critical parts; from abradable and thermal barrier coatings to powder and services for additive manufacturing.

Oerlikon Balzers coatings for aerospace components exhibit excellent wear resistance, a low friction coefficient, reduce surface fatigue and withstand high loads, and significantly improve functional stability at high temperatures as well as corrosion and erosion resistance. Oerlikon Balzers coatings are a sustainable, non-hazardous and REACH-conforming option to hard chrome plating.

Oerlikon Metco’s surface solutions for thermal spray, laser cladding, PTA and weld hard facing improve the performance and efficiency of aerospace components and systems. To improve aircraft engine efficiency, Oerlikon Metco produces sheet metal and machined components such as honeycomb seals, inserts, and compressor vane assemblies.

Oerlikon AM provides additive manufacturing for Aerospace specific applications engineering with focus on areas like generative design/lightweighting, highly-customised parts, weld elimination, reverse engineering and replacement of obsolete parts. Collaboration opportunities with Oerlikon include material development, data set/design allowable generation, R&D, application engineering, series production and prototypes.

The centre of the centre

Stop by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce booth in (hall 3, stand D112) to learn more about the state’s bustling aerospace sector and special incentives available to aerospace companies.

Since the birth of the modern aviation age, Oklahoma has been at the centre of it all. The state’s central location in the middle of the United States made it initially a fuelling stop for trans-continental flights and home to numerous aerospace pioneers such as Wiley Post, inventor of the high-altitude flight suit. His record-breaking flight on the Lockheed 5C Vega Winnie Mae, helped demonstrate the viability of autopilot and radio direction technologies.

Post’s pioneering spirit lives on today in Oklahoma which is home to over 1,100 aerospace entities. Companies such as NORDAM and Spirit Aerosystems are currently manufacturing components for major aerospace companies. Oklahoma is also home to the largest military MRO centre at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma City, which is today the Sustainment Centre HQ for the US Air Force, employing over 26,000 people. More than 75 companies operating in the state are involved with the development and testing of Unmanned Aerial Systems. In 2018, Kratos Unmanned Systems established a 100,000ft2 facility in Oklahoma City, to manufacture their new ‘wingman’ drone, Valkyrie. The state’s aerospace industrial output alone in 2016 was $12.5 billion and OK aerospace companies today are exporting goods to over 170 countries.

Oklahoma is committed to its aerospace sector and offers a number of unique tax incentives to attract companies and investments, such as the Aerospace Engineering Tax Credit, which provides tax credits to aerospace engineers and the companies that hire them. Also, the Oklahoma Department of Commerce recently announced the launch of the Aerospace Commerce Economic Services (ACES) Programme with the goal of establishing a common state-wide strategy to support the growth of the Oklahoma aerospace industry.

Further on, Okuma (hall 4, stand E51) represented in the UK by NCMT, will invite the industry to find out more about the latest, specialised machining processes. Okuma has more than three decades of expertise in machining technology for the aerospace industry.

Okuma is the only single-source provider of CNC machine tools and controls. The aerospace portfolio includes manufacturing solutions for many items, such as turbine components, gear parts, hydraulic valves and landing gear. Okuma’s wide range of multitasking machines of the MU-V, MULTUS-U and VTM-YB series are predestined for aerospace applications and the super-multitasking LASER EX series is additionally equipped with additive manufacturing capabilities. Manufacturers can benefit from Okuma’s intelligent technologies like the Thermo-Friendly Concept, which compensates thermal deformation. The benefit is unrivalled dimensional stability for example during long-term machining operations. With the use of Dynamic Tool Load Control, costs can be reduced by allowing the usage of cheap insert tools for machining difficult-to-cut materials like titanium. Visitors to the Airshow will have the opportunity to discuss the latest technological trends with the Okuma experts and are welcome to experience Okuma’s IIoT solution Connect Plan. The software-based system provides analytics for improved utilisation by connecting machine tools and providing visual control of factory operations and machining.

Okuma traditionally puts a special focus on dedicated applications for the aerospace industry and maintains three global Aerospace Centres of Excellence in Krefeld (Germany), Charlotte (USA) and Oguchi (Japan). All three facilities offer demonstrations of the specific solutions in operation and are open to interested visitors all year round.

Okuma is a Tier 1 member of the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre at the University of Sheffield and participates in researching production applications for new materials. Okuma’s technological leadership is also represented by an ACAM membership (Aachen Centre for Additive Manufacturing), where, together with the Fraunhofer Institutes, the application of additive manufacturing processes is promoted.

Filtrate and innovate

Porvair (hall 6, stand A53) will be returning to Paris to showcase its broad range of filtration and separation technologies and fluid management products. The show will see a renewed focus on the introduction/development of innovative technologies on aircraft systems such as fuel tank inerting, cabin air, high temperature, fuel control, improved hydraulic systems.

Porvair’s Aerospace team is actively looking at future system operating requirements, such as operational life extension, reduced through life costs, dry mass and environmental conditions enabling it to develop concepts to a high level of maturity. Once developed to this level, these materials, concepts and designs can be integrated into new aircraft or improvements on legacy fleets.

To support this task, Porvair has a dedicated team of engineers, scientists and test technicians with test facilities to simulate aircraft operating conditions. In addition, its Operations team has capacity to bring the product from design to production readiness at scale.

Pryor Marking Technology (hall 2b, stand H111), a leading marking and identification specialist will showcase its latest digital and fully automated robotic marking solution at this year’s event. The Aerospace Rotatives Marking Cell delivers exact standards through robotic controlled programming and the company’s unmatched vision systems. Automation of component marking reduces time and costs; robotic control is key. This is integrated into Pryor’s software and every detailed move is programmable. The company’s vision systems are used to guide the robots to execute marking automatically and at predefined locations which removes operator errors. Visitors to the stand will see a demonstration featuring robotic marking of large rotative aerospace components.

Alastair Morris, sales director at Pryor says: “The Paris Airshow provides us with the perfect platform to showcase our marking and traceability solutions designed specifically for the aerospace industry. As a UK company with a French subsidiary, our Paris-based colleagues are looking forward to explaining our technology to show visitors. We understand the challenges faced by the aerospace industry and can offer many solutions.”

Starrag (hall 4, stand B77) says its special exhibits made of aluminium, titanium or nickel-based alloys will provide a talking point for visitors to the Airshow. The Swiss company will present products such as structural components, blisks, blades and impellers that have been manufactured on Starrag machines using these materials.

These exhibits clearly explain the basis of the Starrag claim ‘engineering precisely what you value’. The user can manufacture their products in the exact quality and batch size they require—both productively and efficiently— on machine tools that are fitted with the necessary equipment and are able to deliver the power required to do so. Starrag can substantiate this claim with numerous components that are manufactured using machines in Starrag's Bumotec, Dörries, Droop+Rein, Ecospeed, Heckert, Scharmann, SIP and Starrag product ranges. These components are destined for all areas of the aviation industry. The Heckert and Starrag STC 800 5-axis machining centres, for example, offer high system availability (in some cases >96%) and bring about outstanding improvements in performance (+30 to 40%). Ecospeed machining centres yield even greater increases in productivity when machining aluminium structural components. The patented Sprint Z3 parallel kinematic machining head makes it possible to achieve maximum dynamics when machining large structural components on five axes.

Particular highlights at the event will be blisks and impellers manufactured on the new Starrag NB 151. These components are made entirely in a single step, using a process that is both fast and reliable. This 5-axis machining centre can be used for the complete machining of heavy workpieces weighing up to 300kg and measuring up to 600mm in diameter and 290mm in length. The NB 151 is equipped with two circular axes that were developed and manufactured in-house for the sole purpose of machining blisks.

It all adds up

This year’s event will see Stratasys (hall 4, stand D192) demonstrate its commitment to the rapid production and qualification of flight-worthy 3D printed parts. With emphasis on existing customer success stories, Stratasys will offer visitors an insight into the latest advances in additive manufacturing that are transforming the entire aerospace supply chain. The company’s continued objective to make the qualification process of 3D printed parts more accessible is underscored as Stratasys today announces the introduction of a brand-new, public domain database.

Developed in conjunction with the National Centre for Advanced Materials Performance (NCAMP) and America Makes, with oversight from the FAA, this database takes strides to reduce the complexity of qualifying 3D printed parts by making qualification data and processes available to all. This is an existing process for aerospace composites applied for the first time to 3D printing. This first database of its kind offers aerospace manufacturers the potential to show equivalency to an existing and accessible qualification programme rather than conduct a complete qualification program independently. In some cases, this can reduce the testing to prove equivalency from around eight months to just 20 days.

Today’s announcement builds upon Stratasys’ Aircraft Interiors 3D Printing Solution, which is designed to help aerospace organisations get parts certified for flight, faster and which will be showcased on the stand during the show. This includes Stratasys’ aerospace-grade ULTEM 9085 resin material, which enables both aerospace manufacturers and airlines to 3D print flight-ready parts with the desired flame, smoke and toxicity regulations FAR 25.863 for use on aircraft and overcome stringent certification requirements. The solution also consists of the Stratasys F900 Production 3D Printer with specialised hardware and software designed to deliver highly repeatable mechanical properties.

Visitors to Stratasys’ stand will also have the opportunity to hear how the company’s 3D printing technology has the capability to provide significant cost efficiencies and time-savings during the production of a plethora of interior aircraft applications – with one of the most recent examples coming from Diehl Aviation. The aerospace manufacturer specializes in cabin and avionics and worked closely with Airbus to develop a 3D printed Curtain Comfort Header for installation on Airbus’ A350 XWB jet airliner. The fully-certified, flight-worthy 3D printed part was created on the Stratasys F900 Production 3D Printer using ULTEM 9085 resin. Measuring 1,140 x 720 x 240mm, it is reported to be the largest 3D printed part produced for passenger aircrafts and will first be implemented by Qatar Airways.

Also, a focal point of the stand will be a replica business class aircraft cabin, demonstrating the 3D printing business case for numerous interior applications compared to traditional methods following recent advances in Stratasys technology and materials.

The ring of confidence

TFC Europe has been a partner in excellence with Smalley and the leading European supplier of Smalley Retaining Rings and Flat Wire Wave Spring products for more than 35 years. With a National and European network of logistic service centres employing over one hundred people, its highly trained internal and field-based application engineers are readily available to assist in the selection of the ideal product to suit any application.

Smalley is the leading manufacturer of Spirolox Retaining Rings and Wave Springs for the aerospace industry and the exclusive manufacturer of the industry-leading Spirolox Retaining Rings, an innovative design that features a no gap, 360° retaining surface without protruding ears to interfere with mating components and are also the originator of Crest to Crest Wave Springs which save up to 50% of space compared to conventional coil springs. All of Smalley's 10,000 parts meet aerospace quality and performance standards for AS9100 certification. Smalley Europe will be exhibiting at the show with its stand located in (hall 3, stand C1).

Exhibiting for the first time at the event, Wallwork Group (hall 2b, stand F188) is looking to expand its thermal processing services into Europe.

“For some time now, we have been establishing firm relationships with European based aerospace component manufacturers and this has encouraged us to exhibit in Paris,” explained Howard Maher, group sales manager. The company is in Pod 10 of the Midlands Aerospace Alliance stand, which is located in the British Pavilion.

“Judging from stand visitor interest at the last Farnborough Airshow, we are expecting strong interest in our much-expanded vacuum brazing and plasma nitriding services.”

With an enviable reputation in ultra-hard PVD coatings, the company will also be championing its range of Nadcap approved Nitron Flight coatings for aerospace that can offer up to 33 times improved life on specific components. Nitron Flight significantly contributes to reducing life cost ownership, fuel consumption, CO2 emissions and more. Following on from the 2017 acquisition of the Metaltech business, Wallwork has now established the processes of Xylan Fluoropolymer coatings and Molybdenum Disulphide dry film lubricants at other Group locations.

The state for aerospace

And finally, when it comes to building aircraft in the US, Washington is the state of US aerospace. No other comes close, as confirmed by the Teal Group’s 2018 Aerospace Competitive Economics Study. Washington’s supercluster of aerospace manufacturing and over 136,000 skilled workers allows companies to produce more revenue, sell more products and services and generate more profits.

Washington builds 90% of all commercial aircraft produced in the US and produces over 1,400 total aircraft and unmanned aerial systems annually. Anchored by Boeing, Washington is also the number 2 supplier to Airbus and home to engineering and flight certification testing of Mitsubishi’s MRJ. Over 1,400 companies here serve the supply chain for every major OEM and air carrier in the world.

With one of the lowest tax rates on manufacturing in America, Washington companies specialise in aerostructures, composites, advanced materials, interiors, engineering and tooling, avionics, IT, R&D, UAS, entertainment and navigation systems and commercial space.

The Choose Washington exhibit (hall 3, stand A82) features 20 companies, representatives from all of Washington’s regional aerospace clusters, the Centre of Excellence for Aerospace Manufacturing, Washington Aerospace Training and Research Centre, Aerospace Futures Alliance, Pacific NW Aerospace Alliance and more. This is the state’s largest delegation ever at Le Bourget, hosted by Lt. Governor Cyrus Habib and Commerce Secretary Dr Lisa Brown.

Decades of orders and new programs ensure a steady supply of work for businesses and investors who want to be part of Washington’s world-class supply chain. What can The State of US Aerospace do for you?

www.siae.fr

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