In the UK, tested the fighter with the "printed" parts

3D printing is becoming more common and popular - not only in civil, but also military industry. Thus, recently the company BAE Systems announced the launch of successful trials fighter Tornado GR.4, which were installed some parts made by 3D-printing. However, we are not talking about the details of the wing, for example - in this case used the PTO housing for a radio station in the cockpit and some other parts (the exact list is not reported). According to the company, the use of such products will reduce operating costs by about 1, 96 million US dollars for 4 years.

As for process manufacturing parts for the fighter, there is likely to technology used metal laser sintering (Direct Metal Laser Sintering, DMLS). Manufacturing of parts manufacturer in Norfolk, on the basis of the Royal Air Force. The cost of "printing" of parts for fighter aircraft was about 100 pounds (according to the company, it is much lower than in the traditional manufacturing method).

Following a successful trial fighter, the company said that 3D printing will help reduce the need of the Air Force in the supply of certain parts, because they can be manufactured directly on the bases. This will simplify the logistics and lower operating costs, as was already stated above. Among other things, parts made by the method of laser sintering of metal, do not require post-processing - they can be used immediately.

Somewhat earlier, another company, American Solid Components, on the same method creates a firearm (pistol M1911), which was successfully tested.

Well, it is worth recalling that this year NASA has promised to send to the ISS 3D-printer to help astronauts make the necessary parts and tools, without the need to deliver all of this directly.

Via theverge

Source: habrahabr.ru/post/208234/