"3D printing offers us modern perspectives to make supply chains more effective for our partners. This technology is the exquisite complement to our 'Stocking Distribution Model'. By producing customized parts and small batches using additive manufacturing, we have the option to procure on demand, sustainably and avoid high minimum order quantities. Our addressees get what they need, when they need it, and OEMs avoid the expense and risk situations associated with tooling production." Explained Andrew Todhunter, manager of Proponent.
Materialise and Proponent, an aircraft parts distributor headquartered in Brea, California, are united in their desire to raise the profile of 3D printing during the aerospace industry's aftermarket supply chains. According to a press release, in a recently signed agreement, the two companies are committed to harnessing the power of 3D printing for aerospace OEMs. The ultimate goal is to build a digital supply chain that confirms on-demand manufacturing. While 3D printing has been the domain of highly specialized engineering departments in aerospace companies, it is moving into focus for procurement logistics with the help of that direction. Materialise is a global 3D printing solutions provider headquartered in Leuven, Belgium, and will be exhibiting at Formnext 2021.
With the partnership, Materialise and Proponent aim to offer aerospace companies and suppliers a one-stop solution for modules within which 3D printing is used alongside other manufacturing technologies.
Materialise manufactures 700 component batches per year for aerospace clients ranging from OEMs to MRO companies and suppliers. According to the company's other information, about 26,000 modules per year are produced solely for the Airbus A350 system. Materialise is now equally the sole supplier providing manufacturing services for two Airbus-approved 3D printing technologies for flight-ready components, he said. In May of this anno, Materialise was certified as the first fabricator for Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) technology within Airbus, he said.
Proponent offers common distribution services to airlines, MROs and OEMs as well as newfangled inventory management solutions. The company delivers 54 million modules annually to more than six million aerospace customers in more than 100 countries. The most common components are used in the aftermarket for cabin interiors, airframes, cockpits and engines.