ITP Aero has made history by becoming the first aeroengine company to obtain certification from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the Spanish Air Security Agency (AESA) for an additive manufactured structural component. This milestone marks a significant advancement in the aerospace industry, leveraging cutting-edge technology to enhance sustainability and efficiency.
ITP Aero Achieves Landmark EASA Certification for Additive Manufacturing
Breaking New Ground in Aeroengine Manufacturing
ITP Aero’s achievement is a testament to its pioneering spirit and technological prowess. By securing the Design Organisation Approval (DOA) from EASA and Production Organization Approval (POA) from AESA, the company has set a new standard in aeroengine manufacturing. The certified components, TP400 rear structure engine vanes, are produced using additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing.
The Significance of Additive Manufacturing
Additive manufacturing represents a revolutionary shift in production techniques. Unlike traditional manufacturing, which often involves subtracting material from a solid block, additive manufacturing builds components layer by layer. This method not only allows for the creation of complex geometries but also significantly reduces material waste and energy consumption.
A Technological Marvel: The Selective Laser Fusion Method
At the heart of ITP Aero’s success is the selective laser fusion method, a form of industrial 3D printing. This process begins with a digital 3D model of the component, which is sliced into thin layers. A laser then melts powdered nickel superalloy, layer by layer, to create the final component. This precise technique ensures high-quality, durable parts capable of withstanding extreme conditions in aviation engines.
ITP Aero’s Dedicated Additive Manufacturing Team
ITP Aero’s achievements in additive manufacturing are supported by a specialized team of multidisciplinary professionals. Based at the company’s headquarters in Zamudio, Spain, this team operates a dedicated additive manufacturing cell. Their expertise and commitment have been instrumental in establishing and certifying the company’s proprietary standards and specifications for additive manufacturing.
Looking Ahead: The ADMIRE R&D Center
Further demonstrating its commitment to innovation, ITP Aero is investing €24 million in a new R&D center named « ADMIRE. » Currently under construction in Zamudio, this center will focus on advanced manufacturing technologies, including additive manufacturing. ADMIRE aims to meet the evolving needs of the aeronautical engine market while aligning with ITP Aero’s sustainability goals.
Commitment to Sustainability
Erlantz Cristóbal, CTO of ITP Aero, emphasized the importance of this achievement in the context of the company’s sustainability objectives. « We are extremely proud to be the first aeroengine company to obtain EASA certification for an additive manufactured structural component. Advanced manufacturing technologies play a key role in our commitment to a more sustainable aviation sector, and these milestones bring us one step closer to achieving net zero by 2050, » he stated.
A Milestone for the Future of Aviation
ITP Aero’s groundbreaking certification for additive manufactured structural components marks a pivotal moment in the aerospace industry. By embracing innovative technologies, the company is not only enhancing efficiency and performance but also paving the way for a more sustainable future in aviation. As the industry continues to evolve, ITP Aero’s achievements set a benchmark for others to follow, heralding a new era of advanced, environmentally-friendly manufacturing.
