EASA has included additive manufacturing (7.14.3) in Mod 07.
Module 7.14.3 Additive manufacturing
Common additive manufacturing techniques and their influence on the mechanical properties of the finished part;
Inspection of additive manufactured parts and common production failures.
EASA Proposed Update to Issue 4 of Certification Memorandum ref. CM-S-008 on "Additive Manufacturing"
Applicable to Large Aeroplanes, General Aviation, Rotorcraft, Propulsion, and Parts and Appliances
Module 7.14.3 Additive manufacturing in New in the EASA exams - 3-D Printing
Re: Module 7.14.3 Additive manufacturing in New in the EASA exams - 3-D Printing
Additive Manufacturing (AM): Overview
Additive Manufacturing (AM), commonly known as 3D printing, is a process that builds objects layer by layer using digital 3D models. Unlike traditional subtractive manufacturing (cutting, drilling, milling), AM adds material only where needed, reducing waste and enabling complex designs.
Types of Additive Manufacturing Technologies
Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) – Uses a heated nozzle to extrude plastic filament (e.g., PLA, ABS).
Stereolithography (SLA) – Uses UV light to cure liquid resin layer by layer.
Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) – Uses a laser to sinter powdered material (e.g., nylon, metal).
Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) / Selective Laser Melting (SLM) – Similar to SLS but for metals.
Binder Jetting – Sprays a binding agent onto a powder bed to form parts.
Material Jetting – Deposits liquid material droplets that harden under UV light.
Laminated Object Manufacturing (LOM) – Layers thin sheets of material and bonds them together.
Advantages of Additive Manufacturing
Design Freedom – Allows complex, lightweight, and customized structures.
Reduced Material Waste – Uses only the necessary material.
Rapid Prototyping – Speeds up product development and iteration.
On-Demand Manufacturing – Reduces inventory costs and lead times.
Lightweight & Strong Parts – Ideal for aerospace, automotive, and medical applications.
Challenges of Additive Manufacturing
Slower Production Speeds – Not always suitable for mass production.
Material Limitations – Fewer material choices compared to traditional manufacturing.
Post-Processing Required – Many parts need sanding, curing, or sintering.
High Initial Costs – Industrial 3D printers and materials can be expensive.
Applications of Additive Manufacturing
Aerospace – Lightweight components for fuel efficiency.
Automotive – Prototyping and custom parts.
Healthcare – 3D-printed prosthetics, implants, and bioprinting.
Construction – 3D-printed buildings and structures.
Consumer Products – Custom shoes, jewelry, and gadgets.
Additive Manufacturing (AM), commonly known as 3D printing, is a process that builds objects layer by layer using digital 3D models. Unlike traditional subtractive manufacturing (cutting, drilling, milling), AM adds material only where needed, reducing waste and enabling complex designs.
Types of Additive Manufacturing TechnologiesFused Deposition Modeling (FDM) – Uses a heated nozzle to extrude plastic filament (e.g., PLA, ABS).
Stereolithography (SLA) – Uses UV light to cure liquid resin layer by layer.
Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) – Uses a laser to sinter powdered material (e.g., nylon, metal).
Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) / Selective Laser Melting (SLM) – Similar to SLS but for metals.
Binder Jetting – Sprays a binding agent onto a powder bed to form parts.
Material Jetting – Deposits liquid material droplets that harden under UV light.
Laminated Object Manufacturing (LOM) – Layers thin sheets of material and bonds them together.
Advantages of Additive Manufacturing
Design Freedom – Allows complex, lightweight, and customized structures. Reduced Material Waste – Uses only the necessary material. Rapid Prototyping – Speeds up product development and iteration. On-Demand Manufacturing – Reduces inventory costs and lead times. Lightweight & Strong Parts – Ideal for aerospace, automotive, and medical applications.
Challenges of Additive Manufacturing
Slower Production Speeds – Not always suitable for mass production. Material Limitations – Fewer material choices compared to traditional manufacturing. Post-Processing Required – Many parts need sanding, curing, or sintering. High Initial Costs – Industrial 3D printers and materials can be expensive.
Applications of Additive Manufacturing
Aerospace – Lightweight components for fuel efficiency. Automotive – Prototyping and custom parts. Healthcare – 3D-printed prosthetics, implants, and bioprinting. Construction – 3D-printed buildings and structures. Consumer Products – Custom shoes, jewelry, and gadgets.