Farsoon, the Chinese supplier of both SLM SLS 3D printers, announced a research and development agreement with Airbus Beijing Engineering Centre (ABEC). The companies will focus on developing an additive manufacturing polymer to be used in civil aviation to make aerospace-grade parts on Farsoon’s 3D printers.
“We are very excited to start this R&D collaboration with Airbus,” commented Dr. Xu Xiaoshu, CEO, Farsoon. “As a leading industrial AM solution provider, Farsoon has been pushing towards the transition of AM applications from prototyping to manufacturing.”
Farsoon has an “Open for Industry” philosophy which means users of its printers have the freedom to change parameters and materials. The company also works with material manufacturers to develop new laser sintering materials which work on its systems too.
The collaboration with Airbus is partly thanks to this philosophy and Dr. Xu Xiaoshu hopes that this collaboration will mean that Farsoon will be able to contribute to the full workflow for AM production in civil aviation.
Producing High-Performance Polymer Materials to Make Aerospace-Grade Parts
Two years ago, Farsoon introduced the Continuous Additive Manufacturing System (CAMS) polymer series which offers continuous and scalable production. The build space of the HT1001P, which is in use via a beta program, is 1000 x 500 x 450mm.
Airbus Beijing Engineering Centre will share their knowledge with Farsoon and vice versa to develop a polymer which works on this open platform system.
“It’s the first time for Airbus to cooperate with a Chinese company in the polymer industry. Airbus is looking for more than the performance of new material. We need to keep in mind what industrialising AM needs, including workflow development, cost management, industrial manufacturing capabilities and speed,” added Michel Tran Van, General Manager, ABEC.
Airbus will work on validating both properties and performance of the new material against civil aviation requirements. Meanwhile, Farsoon will work on fine-tuning its system for the material.
“With the same goal of industrialisation, I look forward to the R&D results of this collaboration, and I believe we will carry out more cooperation in the future,” Tran Van adds.
Source: tct Magazine
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