Page 19 - The Machining World Express May 2024

THE MACHINING WORLD EXPRESS | MAY 2024 INSIGHT

DesignTech: Shaping the Future of Aerospace with

Superior 3D Printing

DESIGNTECH ensures the quality and reliability of 3D printed
components for aerospace and defense applications through strategic
partnerships and meticulous processes. Partnering with Stratasys, a
global leader in 3D printing solutions, we address two primary areas:
manufacturing tools and end-use parts. The accuracy, consistency,
and reliability of Stratasys machines and materials enable rapid tool
production, significantly reducing manufacturing cycle times and
costs. For end-use parts, we enforce strict quality control norms,
process validation, and material traceability, ensuring compliance with
aerospace standards.
In the aerospace and defense sectors, 3D printing encounters unique
challenges. The demand for specialized materials, stringent process
validation, and control, as well as the occasional need for large-sized
parts, present hurdles. Post-processing requirements and challenges
in building large volume parts further complicate the process.
Additionally, the lack of Design for Additive Manufacturing (DFAM)
consideration can lead to suboptimal parts, hindering the integration of
3D printing into mainstream manufacturing processes.
While full-scale adoption of 3D printed parts in Indian aerospace and
defense is pending, our collaborations with organizations like DRDO
and ISRO have facilitated various manufacturing applications, including
mock parts and manufacturing tools. These collaborations have
notably reduced project timelines, showcasing the potential of our 3D
printing solutions.
Our 3D printing solutions have delivered ARTICLE CONTRIBUTED BY
significant cost and time savings for clients in the
aerospace and defense sectors. For instance,
we successfully printed and delivered complex
parts for a DRDO unit within 24 hours, a feat
that traditional manufacturing methods would
have taken at least a week to accomplish.
Maintaining confidentiality and security is
paramount when handling sensitive projects for
clients in the aerospace and defense industries.
DesignTech’s Engineering Services division
adheres to strict confidentiality policies, ensuring
that data remains secure throughout the project
lifecycle.

Looking ahead, we anticipate increased
adoption of 3D printing technology in aerospace
and defense, driven by the establishment of MR. RAVIKUMAR PATIL
more manufacturing facilities and growing General Manager
interest from defense establishments. By staying Rapid Prototyping, DesignTech Systems Pvt Ltd.
at the forefront of innovation and collaborating
with industry leaders, we aim to further expand
Material selection is crucial in additive the applications of 3D printing in these sectors, Ravi Patil, with 25+ years in the industry,
manufacturing, with factors like temperature contributing to advancements in aerospace holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical
resistance and chemical compatibility influencing manufacturing. Engineering from KLECET, Belgaum.
decisions. Stratasys offers materials like Ultem Specializing in FDM, PolyJet, and Metal 3D
9085, compliant with aerospace standards, Printing, he leads DesignTech Systems’ Rapid
ensuring that our 3D printed parts meet Prototyping-Technical team, supporting 200+
stringent requirements. installations nationwide.

Image courtesy : Stratasys
By partnering with Altair Engineering and
Stratasys, we leverage advanced design and
simulation techniques to optimize components
for aerospace and defense applications. Altair
Engineering provides specialized CAE software,
while Stratasys offers certified materials and
industrial-grade 3D printers, ensuring the
strength and performance of our printed parts.
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