AM Craft has successfully completed a project for Finnair, manufacturing over 300 replacement flip-down monitors for the Passenger Service Units (PSUs) in Finnair’s Airbus A320 fleet using FDM 3D printing technology. These components are delivered on a just-in-time basis, ensuring that Finnair receives install-ready, airworthiness-certified parts as needed for its 17 aircraft.
Project Overview and Implementation
The installation of these 3D printed panels commenced in the fourth quarter of 2023 and has been progressing according to schedule. AM Craft utilized Stratasys FDM technology and ULTEM 9085 filament for the production, optimizing the weight of the components while meeting all operational and airworthiness requirements specified by Finnair. AM Craft’s EASA 21G Production Organization Approval enabled the company to certify the airworthiness of the manufactured parts, providing comprehensive support from project initiation to delivery.
Benefits of Additive Manufacturing
“This project is a great example of how well additive manufacturing fits within the aviation sector,” said Janis Jatnieks, AM Craft’s Chief Commercial Officer. He highlighted the advantages of redesigning and producing parts in necessary quantities, especially as the average age of commercial fleets increases. Additive manufacturing offers significant benefits, including reduced lead times, lower costs, and the ability to optimize parts for weight and functionality.
AM Craft managed the entire project, from design and certification to production, allowing Finnair to save time and money while reducing the weight of the PSU components. This process underscores the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of additive manufacturing, particularly for low-volume, high-mix production needs.
Future Implications and Availability
“Now that this part has been developed, certified, and added to our digital catalogue, it will be available to Finnair, or any other airline that requires this solution for an A320, again at any point in the future,” Jatnieks added. AM Craft’s network of approved production facilities ensures that parts can be produced locally and ready for installation globally, minimizing the need for extensive stocking or shipping.
Finnair’s Totti Pekonen, Manager Cabin & Payload Engineering, expressed satisfaction with the collaboration: “The parts we received from AM Craft were of high quality and delivered on time. Though they were a new supplier for us on the PSU project, we have been very impressed by their expertise and professionalism and look forward to continuing to work with them.”
The successful execution of this project demonstrates the potential for additive manufacturing to revolutionize the aviation industry by providing efficient, cost-effective, and high-quality solutions for aircraft maintenance and upgrades.
