EASA certifies 3D printed TP400 rear structure engine vanes from ITP Aero
It is the first structural component to obtain EASA and AESA certifications
ITP Aero has become the first aeroengine design and manufacturing company to obtain Design Organisation Approval (DOA) certification from EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency) and Production Organization Approval (POA) certification from AESA (Spanish Air Security Agency) for structural components manufactured with additive layer technology. The certified structural components are TP400 vanes of the rear engine structure, 3D printed using SLS technology.
Erlantz Cristóbal, CTO of ITP Aero, stated: “We are extremely proud to be the first aeroengine company to obtain EASA certification for an additively 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”.
Leveraging its proprietary technological expertise, ITP Aero has successfully established and certified its own additive manufacturing standards and specifications to manufacture high-temperature aviation engine components. The company operates a specialized additive manufacturing cell and has a dedicated team of multidisciplinary professionals focused on this production method at its Zamudio (Spain) headquarters.
Furthermore, ITP Aero’s forthcoming R&D center, “ADMIRE,” currently under construction in Zamudio with a €24 million investment, will concentrate on digital and advanced manufacturing technologies, including additive manufacturing, to cater to the evolving needs of the aeronautical engine market in line with ITP Aero’s sustainability objectives.
The additive manufacturing technique employed for these components is the selective laser fusion method, also known as industrial 3D manufacturing. This process involves digitally segmenting the 3D model of the component into individual layers, followed by using a laser to melt powdered nickel superalloy and build the component layer by layer. Notably, this method enables the production of complex geometric components while minimizing the use of raw materials and energy.
