As part of a joint project, Safran Landing Systems and developer of Selective Laser Melting SLM Solutions have demonstrated SLM’s candidacy in the production of a component of a nose landing gear for a bizjet.
The component is one of the parts that transfers the loads from the wheel to the aircraft structure and is retracted after take-off. To meet the stringent requirements and conditions it needed to withstand, both teams have first redesigned it, and have chosen titanium alloy as production material. This material withstands corrosion, does not require any surface treatment and improves part durability.
According to Thierry Berenger, Additive Manufacturing project leader at Safran Landing Systems, SLM Solutions’ expertise and their SLM®800 machine were exactly what they need to meet their requirements in terms of machine size and reliability.
The SLM®800 machine is an industrial machine that integrates a vertically extended build envelope which facilitates the production of large components. Equipped with the manufacturer’s proven quad-laser technology and features, like the patented gas flow and a permanent filter, one of its advantages would be its flexibility and reliability. By providing the ability to quickly modify, print and test design changes, the time-saving SLM® process helped the team gain a 15% weight reduction on the component.
Gerhard Bierleutgeb, EVP Global Services & Solutions at SLM Solutions explains: “Additive manufacturing contributes to save time in the qualification and certification phases by rapidly providing the parts for testing. We were able to produce the main fitting in few days on the SLM®800, vs few months with the forging process.”
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