Desktop Metal subsidiary Aidro qualifies to supply Leonardo Helicopters with 3D printed aluminium flight parts

Aidro, a subsidiary of Desktop Metal that creates and markets 3D printing systems, has become a qualified supplier of Leonardo Helicopters' additively manufactured aluminium flight parts.

As one of only two suppliers, Aidro received Leonardo's Declaration of Qualification for Additive Layer Manufacturing. Since achieving AS/EN9100 certification in 2018, it has been working with the aerospace sector and will now use its additive manufacturing expertise to supply parts to Leonardo, which offers a range of helicopters to commercial, public services, military and security organizations.

More than 150 countries have deployed Leonardo Helicopters, and it controls all aspects of research, development, production, and customer support. The single-engine category covers helicopters weighing up to 1.8 tonnes and the three-engine category covers aircraft weighing up to 16 tonnes. Leonardo acknowledged that 3D printing could be used to create lightweight and complex parts, and is turning to Aidro's expertise in hydraulic and fluid power systems for parts that need this type of knowledge.

Dario Bonanno, the Industrial Engineering Manager for Leonardo stated, “Leonardo is committed to introducing and expanding the use of additive manufacturing on its rotorcraft products, taking advantage of the opportunities offered by its unique capabilities.”

 “The availability of a qualified supply chain is a fundamental requirement to support the industrial sustainability of the company’s technological roadmap.”

Valeria Tirelli, the President and CEO of Aidro said, “In addition to supporting Leonardo with design, Aidro also organised training sessions and knowledge-sharing on additive manufacturing with its employees.”

“This joining forces and continuous process of mutual learning becomes essential in such a fast-changing environment to be able to design, create and recreate products of high value. With our shared roots in Northern Italy and the combined expertise of our teams, we truly believe the sky’s the limit with Leonardo.”