Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

3D-Printed Aircraft Tool Sets Guinness World Record (networkworld.com)

Posted by BeauHD on from the world-record dept.

coondoggie quotes a report from Network World: A 17.5 foot long, 5.5 foot wide and 1.5 foot tall the 3D printed aircraft design tool has earned the title of largest solid 3D printed item by Guinness World Records. The 1,650 lb. apparatus known as a trim-and-drill tool is comparable in length to a large sport utility vehicle and will ultimately be tested for use in building the Boeing 777X passenger jet. Basically the tool will be used to secure the jet's composite wing skin for drilling and machining before assembly, according to researchers at the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ONRL) who developed the tool. "The existing, more expensive metallic tooling option we currently use comes from a supplier and typically takes three months to manufacture using conventional techniques," said Leo Christodoulou, Boeing's director of structures and materials in a statement. "Additively manufactured tools, such as the 777X wing trim tool, will save energy, time, labor and production cost and are part of our overall strategy to apply 3D printing technology in key production areas."

5 of 50 comments (clear)

  1. I look forward to the day... by fredgiblet · · Score: 2

    ...when I can 3D print an entire plane for myself.

    1. Re:I look forward to the day... by ArylAkamov · · Score: 3, Funny

      But...you wouldn't download a CAR, would you?

    2. Re:I look forward to the day... by saloomy · · Score: 2

      This story is false, you can print yourself a house. Concrete is most definitely solid, and weighs more than 1,650 lbs. Airplanes will be next once the solution to print using metal powder comes to meaningful cost/quality. Well, the body of the airplane at least.

    3. Re:I look forward to the day... by iggymanz · · Score: 2

      I see your house, and raise you one 3D printed office building

      http://www.cnet.com/news/dubai...

  2. Re:So... it's a jig? by serviscope_minor · · Score: 2

    Well, apart from being really really big which is in and of itself interesting.

    Also, jigs are an *incredibly* important part of manufacturing. And this shows that new tech can cut a serious amount of time and cost off the tooling.

    --
    SJW n. One who posts facts.