Aero Kinetics and SLM Solutions to bring metal Additive Manufacturing to commercial unmanned aircraft
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).
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.
“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.”
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