Safran Aero Boosters to 3D print large components for F135 engine
Safran Aero Boosters and BMT Aerospace have partnered with Pratt & Whitney to qualify and deliver large-scale 3D printed parts for the F135 engine, aiming to address complex components and supply chain challenges.
Safran Aero Boosters has entered into an agreement with Pratt & Whitney to qualify and supply large-scale 3D printed components for the F135 engine. This collaboration, formalized alongside partner BMT Aerospace at the Farnborough International Airshow, follows a similar announcement from Pratt & Whitney regarding a partnership with GKN Aerospace for additive manufacturing of large structural F135 engine parts.
Safran Aero Boosters intends to utilize additive manufacturing (AM) to produce "the most challenging parts" and alleviate supply chain issues for "highest priority components" of the F135 engine. The company has indicated that a large-scale proof of concept is already prepared. Both Safran Aero Boosters and BMT Aerospace, based in Belgium, possess significant experience in 3D printing titanium components for the aerospace sector.
This joint development initiative is viewed as a crucial step in validating AM technology for such applications and in positioning Belgium as a provider of advanced manufacturing supply chain solutions for American aerospace firms. François Lepot, CEO of Safran Aero Boosters, stated that this milestone validates the expertise of both companies in advanced manufacturing and marks an important starting point for deepening their involvement in the F-35 program and fostering future collaborations.
This agreement signifies a key advancement in qualifying large-scale additive manufacturing for critical aerospace engine components. By tackling complex parts and supply chain constraints for the F135 engine, Safran Aero Boosters and BMT Aerospace are pushing the boundaries of industrial AM, demonstrating its growing maturity and potential for high-value, high-reliability applications within the defense sector.
Edited by the news editor with AI from the original report — please refer to the original source.