ILA 2016: Airbus unveils 3D printed aircraft model

Airbus unveiled a 3D printed flying aircraft model at this years ILA airshow in Berlin, Germany. Dubbed the Thor, the model aircraft is...

Airbus unveiled a 3D printed flying aircraft model at this years ILA airshow in Berlin, Germany.

Dubbed the Thor, the model aircraft is four-metre-long and consists around 50 individual printed parts, produced in less than six weeks. 

Only the two engines and the controls use conventional technologies. The project demonstrates the possibilities of 3D printing for aviation. 

This technology enables parts to be created in the desired shape by building successive layers of powder. This not only saves material; complex shapes can also be produced which are more stable and also lighter than conventionally manufactured components. 

This process significantly reduces development and manufacturing times and saves on both costs and weight.