Prodways Rapid Additive Forging (RAF) technology dedicated to the 3D printing of large dimension titanium parts for aeronautics applications is attracting interest from other industrial sectors. As part of a development project, MBDA, one of the global leaders in defense, has chosen Prodways RAF technology to produce massive titanium parts.

A type of WAAM (wire arc additive manufacturing) process, Prodways Rapid Additive Forging technology offers an alternative to conventional subtractive manufacturing processes and can reduce usual lead-times by around one semester, both for the supply and machining of titanium.

RAF technology is disrupting this type of manufacturing by printing, in record time, blank parts close to final dimensions that are easier and faster to machine. In general, several aerospace suppliers are now looking beyond PBF processes for high-precision parts and looking increasingly to add AM production of large parts into their capabilities.

For MBDA, the benefits are manifold: costs and lead-times cut by 25% compared to the conventional manufacturing processes, and a part that meets all technical requirements. This initial success opens the way to the series production of parts based on Rapid Additive Forging technology.

Prodways Group’s Rapid Additive Forging capabilities are on display at the Paris Air Show until June 23rd, 2019 at the Le Bourget Parc des Expositions, hall 2B, booth F121.