Feb 17, 2017 | By Tess

Strata Manufacturing PJSC, an Abu Dhabi-based aero-structure manufacturing company, has partnered with Mumbai-based Reliance Defence Limited (RDL) to develop and collaborate on aerospace composite manufacturing capabilities. Both companies, who recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding, will seek to advance and integrate 3D printing technologies into aerospace component manufacturing, as well as develop carbon fiber aerostructures, prepegs, and more.

Notably, the agreement further reinforces the important alliances and ties that are being forged between the United Arab Emirates and India, in terms of politics, economics, and now industry. Strata Manufacturing, wholly owned by Mubadala Development Company PJSC, has, since its founding in 2009, become a well-connected and well-known composite aero-structures manufacturing company. The announcement that it will begin to explore 3D printing technologies in its aerospace manufacturing is therefore quite exciting.

In line with the potential partnership, Mumbai-based Reliance is reportedly considering establishing a new aerospace manufacturing facility at the Dhirubhai Ambani Aerospace Park, an industrial facility located at the Multi-modal International Cargo Hub and Airport at Nagpur.

Badr Al Olama, CEO of Strata, said: "We are keen to grow our capabilities globally with Reliance and expand our operational footprint by capitalizing on innovative, cost-effective solutions that can benefit our customers whilst enhancing our financial performance. Working together with Reliance, we see a significant opportunity that can lead to the creation of a new tier-one global supplier: designing, developing and manufacturing major aircraft components—such as wings and empennages—for the next generation of aircrafts.”

The bilateral agreement between the two companies should see both Strata and Reliance exploring new opportunities within the commercial aerospace industry. These opportunities include additively manufactured aircraft components, carbon fiber aerostructures, and more. Both companies will also seek to address obsolescence management, and will take into account the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030 as well as the Make in India initiative.

"India’s composites industry is at a nascent stage,” said Rajesh K Dhingra, president, Reliance Defence & Aerospace. “The project has the potential to bring in significant foreign direct investment and cutting-edge technology in this niche composite aircraft manufacturing segment. 3D printing enables us to produce assembly and machining fixtures in one-quarter the time and at one-half the cost as conventional machining.”

The agreement marks another step forwards for aerospace 3D printing in the UAE, as Strata Manufacturing also recently partnered with Siemens and Etihad Airways to manufacture the Middle East’s first ever 3D printed aircraft interior parts.

Posted in 3D Printer Company

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