Air handling ductwork in an aircraft has to meet many performance requirements at once. They include electrostatic resistance, flame resistance, chemical resistance and resistance to vibration, not to mention the requisite strength of the part — all in a form complex enough to snake around and through other elements of the aircraft. Formed aluminum ducts have satisfied the need historically, but Eaton’s Advanced Materials and Process Group is developing a different solution. With 3D printed polymer, ducts could be manufacturing with less cost, less lead time, less part weight and more design freedom. The key is a polymer material satisfying all the design requirements. Eaton’s solution is a carbon-fiber-reinforced PEKK tailor-made by the company for this application. Watch this episode of The Cool Parts Show to learn how Eaton is preparing for the future of aircraft duct production.

This episode of The Cool Parts Show brought to you by Carpenter Additive. https://www.carpenteradditive.com/

FOR ALL ACCESS MEMBERS: When 3D printed ducts are in full production for future aircraft, the design of 3D printers may need to change. Eaton engineer Si Chen describes the advances she anticipates. The Cool Parts Show All Access is a free subscription for fans of the show. Sign up and watch this month's exclusive Extra here: https://www.additivemanufacturing.med...

LEARN MORE ABOUT:

An existing Eaton success with AM for part production: 3D printing of metal aircraft parts
https://www.additivemanufacturing.med...

PEKK, PEEK, and the differences between these polymer materials
https://www.additivemanufacturing.med...

Pellet-fed Titan 3D printer from 3D Systems
https://www.3dsystems.com/ext-titan-p...

Another duct made through 3D printing — this one optimized for air flow
https://www.additivemanufacturing.med...

3D printed polymer replacing metal in a bracket for a helicopter
https://www.additivemanufacturing.med...

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