Spirit AeroSystems has received from its Norwegian partner Norsk Titanium its first 3D printed commercial aircraft part that will go on a Boeing 787 Dreamliner. The additive-manufactured part is a back-up fitting for an access door on a 787 forward fuselage that Spirit has machined and finished, and will deliver to Boeing in January, the Wichita-based aerostructures and parts supplier said on December 21.

“Integrating additive manufacturing capability into our production system to build end-use titanium parts expands Spirit's fabrication capabilities and puts us at the forefront of advanced manufacturing,” said Spirit senior v-p of global fabrication Kevin Matthies. “With our Norsk collaboration, Spirit is bringing the power and benefits of additive manufacturing in support of our customers.”

Norsk uses its proprietary plasma arc Rapid Plasma Deposition technology—an advanced form of 3D printing—to build up parts to a near-net shape that minimizes waste, uses less energy, and reduces product cost. Spirit does final machining, finishing, inspection, and installation of the parts from Norsk. Spirit manufactures the 787’s composite forward fuselage as well as tests and installs the airplane’s flight controls.