Collins Aerospace Expands 3D Printing Operations at Iowa Factory
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A major aerospace and defense supplier has officially unveiled a new multi-million dollar 3D printing complex at its facility in central Iowa.
Collins Aerospace, a subsidiary of RTX — the defense giant formerly known as Raytheon — said the $14 million expansion project in West Des Moines added 9,000 square feet of space that will be able to house “several” state-of-the-art metal 3D printers and dramatically increase the campus’ overall additive manufacturing capabilities.
The first printer installed in the addition, Collins officials said, offers a build volume eight times that of the printers currently in place at the West Des Moines site. The system will allow Collins to explore the possibility of printing the engine components it already produces in Iowa for commercial and military aircraft.
Officials said 3D printing could help Collins reduce its parts' complexity, cost, weight, and lead times, alleviate supply chain pressures, and curb emissions throughout the broader aerospace supply chain. The company acknowledged that the jobs impact of the expansion is likely to be limited, according to the Des Moines Register. Collins’ current additive manufacturing operations employ 11 workers in Iowa, and a single person can reportedly manage the newest printer.
The West Des Moines plant is one of eight U.S. factories certified for additive manufacturing by the National Aerospace and Defense Contractors Accreditation Program.
Image Credit: Collins Aerospace
