Plane Support gains CASA approval for 3‑D‑printed 214B helicopter ducting
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Plane Support received Australian Parts Manufacturer Approval from CASA to produce cabin air‑conditioning ducting for the Bell 214B (B‑1) helicopter using additive manufacturing.
Approval granted
Plane Support was granted CASA Australian Parts Manufacturer Approval to manufacture cabin air‑conditioning ducting for the 214B (B‑1) helicopter.
The approval specifically covers the ducting components for that helicopter model.
Project origins
The project began almost two years ago and involved close consultation with CASA.
McDermott Aviation, the world’s largest operator of the 214B and holder of its Type Certificate, initiated the project.
Additive manufacturing process
Plane Support used 3‑D scanning to capture the original ducting and reverse‑engineered the parts for additive manufacturing.
A dedicated aerospace additive manufacturing laboratory was established around the Markforged FX10 industrial 3‑D printing platform.
Quality and compliance
Quality systems, production controls and inspection methods were developed to meet CASA airworthiness requirements.
Engineering comment
Plane Support Director of Engineering Jason Hazell said new processes had to be developed and validated from the ground up.