BAE Systems is using large-scale 3-D printing to produce high-temperature mould tooling using Airtech Dahltram I-350CF resin in the production of its future combat air demonstrator.
The Dahltram I-350CF system is a high-temperature capable, carbon fibre reinforced PEI-based 3-D printed resin, which has been adopted by the aerospace industry. BAE Systems has been working on the development of the manufacturing process with
Airtech Advanced Materials Group and
Ingersoll Machine Tools, Inc which 3-D printed the mould tool on its MasterPrint large format 3-D printer.
A feature of the Dahltram range of resins is its suitability for multiple 3-D print platforms, providing production flexibility with end-use material approvals.
Airtech has been able to demonstrate technology and manufacturing readiness with its Dahltram range of resins and its own in-house tooling 3-D print service.
Continuous thermal cycle testing, pressure leak testing, laser surface scanning and contact material testing have generated data supporting over 250 autoclave cycles, without degradation of the Dahltram manufactured tooling.
Airtech Advanced Materials Group has Dahltram Additive Manufacturing Resins and Print-Tech large-scale 3-D printed tool manufacturing capabilities in the USA and Europe.