- Incorporating Additive Metal Manufacturing for Aluminum and Titanium 3D Printed Parts
Fort Worth, TX (June 2015) — Aero Kinetics, the first company to file for FAA Type Certification for multi-rotor unmanned aircraft, has recently partnered with SLM Solutions NA 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. “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 that others thought impossible, 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.”
By incorporating industry-leaders from aerospace industry and beyond, Aero Kinetics has developed UAS solutions that are unmatched in today’s market. Aero Kinetics continues to develop critical teaming partners to assist our growing international customer base in the critical infrastructure, disaster/emergency response, border security, ranching and electronic newsgathering industries.
About Aero Kinetics:
Aero Kinetics is an agile 21st century Aerospace and Defense firm with distinct business units in Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Aviation Engineering and Certification, Special Missions Operations, Aviation Consulting, and Aircraft Maintenance and Management. Founded by W. Hulsey Smith in 2003, Aero Kinetics rapidly delivers aerospace and defense technology, services, and solutions to our clients that enable them to maintain technological and operational superiority, by bridging the gap between the conceptual and the tangible.
Aero Kinetics has a proven track record of success, spanning more than a decade. We are focused on providing clients with the very best in diversified technologies. We continue to focus our growth on the commercial sector through internal advancements in emerging markets such as Unmanned Aircraft Systems.
About SLM Solutions NA:
Serving as the North American subsidiary of SLM Solutions Group AG — SLM Solutions NA, Inc. is a leading provider of metal-based additive manufacturing technology (also commonly referred to as 3D printing). These powerful and innovative technologies support an optimal approach for safe, flexible and cost efficient metal part production and prototypes across the aerospace, automotive, academia, energy and medical industries.
SLM Solutions Group AG, headquartered in Lübeck, Germany focuses on the development, assembly and sales of machines and integrated system solutions in the field of Selective Laser Melting®. SLM Solutions currently employs over 160 people in Germany and North America.
Media Contacts:
North America
Eric Wencel, Marketing Manager—NA
Direct: 248.243.5406
Email: eric.wencel@slm-solutions.us
SLM Solutions NA, Inc.
www.slm-solutions.us
28350 Cabot Drive, Suite 100
Novi, MI 48377, USA
Aero Kinetics Media Contact
Shorey Public Relations
Direct: 202.277.7100
Email: missy@shoreypr.com
