Norsk Titanium produces aerospace structures using Rapid Plasma Depositiontrade in which titanium wire is melted by argonshrouded plasma torches to form nearnetshape parts The company is developing a plant in Plattsburgh NY scheduled to start late next year

Boeing Orders Titanium 3DP Structures for Testing

July 18, 2016

Norsk Titanium will supply Boeing with 3D-printed, titanium engineering test articles for commercial aircraft structures, to demonstrate part-to-part repeatability and to optimize the operations processes necessary to enter into long-term production of structural components for fleet aircraft.

Robert Brooks

Norsk Titanium AS has a contract from The Boeing Co. (IW500/9) to supply 3D-printed, titanium engineering test articles for commercial aircraft structural components, though details of the contract are few. The value and timing of the articles to be delivered are not known. Norsk Titanium (NTi) will produce titanium Ti-6Al-4V preforms, and delivering them to Boeing for further testing and evaluation. Their project is intended to demonstrate part-to-part repeatability and to optimize the operations processes necessary to enter into long-term production of structural components for fleet aircraft, according to NTi

“We are pleased with Boeing’s thoughtful review of structural titanium components made by our RPD process,” stated Norsk Titanium president and CEO Warren M. Boley, Jr. “Together, we seek to create significant customer value by reducing cost and lead-time from their premier commercial airplane platforms.”

NTi produces aerospace-grade titanium structures at Hønefoss, Norway. The company’s U.S. subsidiary is building an industrial-scale metal additive-manufacturing plant at the SUNY Polytechnic Institute in Plattsburgh, NY, scheduled to start in late 2017. New York State has invested $125 million in the project.

Forging is an IndustryWeek companion site within Penton's Manufacturing & Supply Chain Group.

About the Author

Robert Brooks | Content Director

Robert Brooks has been a business-to-business reporter, writer, editor, and columnist for more than 20 years, specializing in the primary metal and basic manufacturing industries. His work has covered a wide range of topics, including process technology, resource development, material selection, product design, workforce development, and industrial market strategies, among others. Currently, he specializes in subjects related to metal component and product design, development, and manufacturing — including castings, forgings, machined parts, and fabrications.

Brooks is a graduate of Kenyon College (B.A. English, Political Science) and Emory University (M.A. English.)