Airbus 3D printing airplane partitions that mimic cells and bone structure. via 3ders
Next time you travel by airplane, chances are you’ll be reading the in-flight magazine, looking down at the clouds from a tiny round window, or simply falling asleep. The seemingly unremarkable partition between the seating area and the galley will probably be the last thing to catch your eye. Surprisingly though, this part of the plane is actually incredibly important. Perhaps not as important as the wings, engine or pilot, but important because it usually houses the jump-seats used by cabin crew during takeoff and landing. Because of this, the partition needs to be very strong, which often makes it heavy—an undesirable characteristic for any airplane part.
In December 2015, Airbus revealed designs for a totally revamped 3D printed partition, which would be used in its Airbus A320 aircraft. The “bionic” partition, 45% (30kg) lighter than its traditionally manufactured predecessor, has now been 3D printed for testing, with the contributing companies offering further insights into the design process behind the giant 3D printed component.
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