Solar Atmospheres thermally treats first FAA certified Ti-6Al-4V structural AM aviation components

Solar Atmospheres successfully processed the first FAA Certified structural additive manufactured Ti-6Al-4V parts that were produced by Norsk Titanium AS destined for installation on a Boeing airplane. The vacuum stress relief was compliant with the stringent AMS 2801 and other OEM specifications.

Norsk Titanium's printing technology of these aft galley supports, along with other flight critical components, signals the ancillary cost benefits that customers may realize with additive manufacturing: lead time reduction, lower inventory requirements, and future spare parts continuity assurances. Solar Atmosphere processed the initial production components for Norsk in March.

Norsk's US facility in Plattsburgh, New York will produce multiple 3-D printed components for the world's premier commercial aircraft OEMs. The company is also exploring other applications in the defense sector including the next generation aircraft, naval vessels, and land-based vehicles.

Bob Hill, President of Solar Atmospheres of Western PA states, "We are extremely proud to partner with innovative additive manufacturing companies such as Norsk Titanium. Today, we can clearly see how this revolutionary manufacturing process has departed from the hype realm and is entering into everyday reality."