Aero Kinetics and SLM Solutions to bring metal Additive Manufacturing to commercial unmanned aircraft

June 22, 2015

June 22, 2015

Aero Kinetics, Fort Worth, Texas, USA, has partnered with SLM Solutions NA to bring advanced Additive Manufacturing technology to Aero Kinetics’ latest generation multi-rotor Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS).

aero-kinetics-1

The use of additive technology for manufacturing aluminium and titanium prototypes and production parts allows Aero Kinetics to rapidly produce complex, fully optimised, aerospace-grade components. By integrating these components into unmanned aircraft, Aero Kinetics improves component life cycle and mitigates the obsolescence commonly associated with the hobbyist systems on the market.

Serving as the North American subsidiary of SLM Solutions Group AG, SLM Solutions NA, Inc. is a leading provider of metal-based Additive Manufacturing technology. “We are thrilled to have SLM on board with our program,” stated W Hulsey Smith, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Aero Kinetics.

aero-kinetics-2

“The safety, speed, and quality of SLM’s machines are well suited to produce ultra-lightweight structural components for unmanned aircraft. When coupled with Aero Kinetics’ subject matter expertise in design for additive metal manufacturing, we will reduce weight in our critical structural components. SLM and their technology help us deliver unmanned aircraft to our clients with the most advanced 3D printing technology,” added Smith.

Aero Kinetics was the first company to file for FAA Type Certification for multi-rotor unmanned aircraft and has developed a range of UAS solutions for its international customer base in the critical infrastructure, disaster/emergency response, border security, ranching and electronic newsgathering industries.

James Fendrick, SLM’s Vice President of Sales & Marketing – NA, stated, “We are excited about the opportunity to work with a leading innovator in the VTOL segment like Aero Kinetics, in attaining FAA certification for parts built on SLM Solutions products. We believe there is true value in proving that our products are capable of manufacturing parts that are flight worthy, and able to pass strict FAA requirements.”

www.aerokinetics.com

http://slm-solutions.us/

Useful links

To submit news and articles for publication on Metal Additive Manufacturing email us at [email protected] 

Go to the Metal-AM homepage | View all news | Subscribe to our free e-newsletter

In the latest issue of Metal AM magazine

Download PDF
 

Extensive AM industry news coverage, as well as the following exclusive deep-dive articles:

  • Metal AM in the aerospace sector: from early successes to the transformation of an industry
  • Slowly but surely: Industrialising metal Additive Manufacturing the Norwegian way
  • Hot Isostatic Pressing and AM: How to improve product quality and productivity for critical applications
  • The convergence of Additive Manufacturing and Artificial Intelligence: Envisioning a future that is closer than you think
  • ADAXIS: On a mission to reduce the layers of complexity in robotic Additive Manufacturing
  • Exploiting your metal Additive Manufacturing data assets: Faster industrialisation and new revenue streams

The world of metal AM to your inbox

Don't miss any new issue of Metal AM magazine, and get the latest industry news. Sign up to our twice weekly newsletter.

Sign up

Discover our magazine archive…

The free to access Metal Additive Manufacturing magazine archive offers unparalleled insight into the world of metal Additive Manufacturing from a commercial and technological perspective through:

  • Reports on visits to leading metal AM part manufacturers and industry suppliers
  • Articles on technology and application trends
  • Information on materials developments
  • Reviews of key technical presentations from the international conference circuit
  • International industry news

All past issues are available to download as free PDFs or view in your browser.

Browse the archive

Looking for AM machines, metal powders or part manufacturing services?

Discover suppliers of these and more in our comprehensive advertisers’ index and buyer’s guide, available in the back of Metal AM magazine.

  • AM machines
  • Process monitoring & calibration
  • Heat treatment & sintering
  • HIP systems & services
  • Pre- & post-processing technology
  • Powders, powder production and analysis
  • Part manufacturers
  • Consulting, training & market data
View online
Share via
Copy link
Powered by Social Snap