Materialise NV, Proponent, and Stirling Dynamics announced the signing of a letter of intent (LOI) aimed at providing certified cabin solutions for aircraft. Stirling Dynamics, an Expleo company, strengthens an existing partnership between Materialise and Proponent that was formed in 2021. By combining their unique forces, the three companies can support the aerospace aftermarket with the design, production, and distribution of certified 3D-printed cabin solutions.

As an aerospace-approved Design Organization (DOA), Stirling Dynamics develops improved, certified designs for 3D-printed interior cabin parts and provides complete aircraft documentation and installation instructions. By adding an EASA Part 21.J DOA to the partnership, the companies create a unique trifecta ? bringing together the ability to identify AM applications and design them by a certified DOA, with certified production by Materialise as a 21.G POA and then distribution through Proponent as the largest independent distributor.

This will serve to further lower hurdles for OEMs and aircraft operators in the integration of such solutions. Together, Materialise, Proponent, and Stirling Dynamics aim to accelerate the adoption of 3D printing for cabin parts. Through the identification and design of smart 3D-printed solutions for OEMs, airlines, and MROs, this partnership seeks to give airline customers the possibility to easily leverage the unique manufacturing benefits 3D printing offers.

Already, several cabin repair solutions have been successfully developed between Stirling Dynamics and Materialise, solving specific issues the customers face in their cabins. Proponent can leverage their OEM relationships to develop OEM-endorsed and certified solutions, making them available to operators worldwide that face similar issues. The potential of 3D printing to revolutionize the aeronautics industry is significant.

This digital manufacturing technology enables design optimizations, functional improvements, and the creation of lighter and stronger parts that were previously unachievable with conventional manufacturing techniques. In addition to these advantages, 3D printing offers remarkable time and cost reductions, further enhancing its appeal for aerospace applications.