3D Printing Partnership between Materialise, Proponent and Stirling Dynamics for Aviation

Materialise, Proponent and Stirling Dynamics have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to offer certified 3D printed cabin solutions for aircraft.

This partnership strengthens an existing collaboration between Materialise and Proponent that began in 2021. Stirling Dynamics, an Expleo Group company, complements the alliance by developing certified designs for 3D-printed interior parts of aircraft cabins. In addition, Stirling Dynamics takes over the creation of complete aircraft documentation and installation instructions.

The addition of Stirling Dynamics as an EASA Part 21.J certified design organization (DOA) creates a unique triad. This combination of AM application recognition and design by a certified DOA, certified production by Materialise as a 21.G POA and distribution by Proponent as the largest independent distributor, lowers barriers for OEMs and aircraft operators to integrate such solutions.

Bandula Pathinayake, VP of Stirling Dynamics, says, “We are really excited to be partnering with Materialise and Proponent to collectively bring the aviation market a true end-to-end service for aircraft modification and repairs. As an EASA-approved Part 21.J Design Organization (EASA.21J.807), we are passionate about innovation, and we look forward to applying our extensive design capabilities to meet the unique challenges of aviation customers.”

The goal of the partnership is to accelerate the adoption of 3D printing for cabin parts. By identifying and designing smart 3D printed solutions for OEMs, airlines and MROs (Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul), the alliance aims to bring the unique manufacturing benefits of 3D printing to airline customers.

“By combining our respective expertise, we are creating a powerful alliance with the skills needed to lower AM adoption barriers in the aeronautics industry,” says Jurgen Laudus, Vice President of Materialise Manufacturing. “We present the opportunity to design, produce, and distribute certified 3D-printed solutions, supporting the aerospace aftermarket in leveraging the exceptional benefits of 3D printing.”

Several cabin repair solutions have already been successfully developed between Stirling Dynamics and Materialise. Proponent can leverage its OEM relationships to develop OEM-supported and certified solutions that are available globally for operators with similar issues.

Erik Krol, Proponent Vice President Strategic Business Units: “With Stirling Dynamics joining our partnership, we can offer our OEM partners qualified solutions that can easily be incorporated into their aftermarket supply chain. Through this partnership, OEMs can deliver spare parts and repairs in an extremely cost-effective way, ultimately benefiting the airlines and MROs.”

The potential for 3D printing to revolutionize the aerospace industry is enormous. This digital manufacturing technology enables design optimization, functional improvements and the production of lighter and stronger parts that were not feasible with traditional manufacturing techniques. In addition to these benefits, 3D printing offers remarkable time and cost savings, further increasing its appeal for aerospace applications.