Aero Kinetics and SLM Solutions NA to Develop 3D Metal Printing for Commercial UAS

By Mike Ball / 22 Jun 2015
Follow UST
Big Bear UAS

Aero Kinetics’ Big Bear UAS

Aero Kinetics, a manufacturer of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), has announced that it has partnered with SLM Solutions NA, a provider of metal-based additive manufacturing technology, to bring advanced 3D metal printing technology to Aero Kinetics’ latest generation multi-rotor vertical takeoff and land (VTOL) UAS.

“We are thrilled to have SLM on board with our program,” commented W. Hulsey Smith, CEO of Aero Kinetics. “The safety, speed, and quality of SLM’s machines are well suited to produce ultra-lightweight structural components for unmanned aircraft. When coupled with Aero Kinetics’ subject matter expertise in design for additive metal manufacturing, we will reduce weight in our critical structural components. SLM and their technology help us deliver unmanned aircraft to our clients with the most advanced 3D printing technology.”

The use of additive technology for metal part prototypes and production manufacturing allows Aero Kinetics to rapidly produce complex, fully optimized, aerospace-grade components. By integrating additive metal technologies into unmanned aircraft, Aero Kinetics improves component life cycle and mitigates the obsolescence commonly associated with the hobbyist systems on the market.

“We are excited about the opportunity to work with a leading innovator in the VTOL segment like Aero Kinetics, in attaining FAA certification for parts built on SLM Solutions products,” said James Fendrick, Vice President of Sales & Marketing-NA. “We believe there is true value in proving that our products are capable of manufacturing parts that are flight worthy, and able to pass strict FAA requirements.”

Posted by Mike Ball Mike Ball is our resident technical editor here at Unmanned Systems Technology. Combining his passion for teaching, advanced engineering and all things unmanned, Mike keeps a watchful eye over everything related to the unmanned technical sector. With over 10 years’ experience in the unmanned field and a degree in engineering, Mike’s been heading up our technical team here for the last 8 years. Connect & Contact