Dufour Aerospace and 9T Labs collaborate on Aero2 structural composite connectors
Dufour Aerospace has selected 9T Labs as a supplier for structural composite connectors such as brackets and hinges of the uncrewed tilt-wing aircraft Aero2, using parts manufactured with innovative additive manufacturing equipment and advanced post processing technology to help further reduce the weight of the Aero2.
Simon Bendrey, head of design at Dufour Aerospace said: “The importance of the smaller parts of an aircraft is often underestimated when it comes to contributing to weight.
“With 9T Labs, we have found a partner who is supporting us in this critical area with surprisingly lightweight composite structural parts, without us having to make compromises in terms of durability and strength.”
Giovanni Cavolina, co-founder and CCO of 9T Labs,added: “We are thrilled to join forces with Dufour Aerospace to advance sustainable aerial mobility by lightweighting critical brackets using unique, cutting edge technologies.
“Replacing a number of structural metal parts with highest performing thermoplastic composites will help Dufour Aerospace achieve the ambitious weight targets for the Aero2 programme.”
9T Labs, a leading composites manufacturing technology company headquartered in Zürich, Switzerland, was founded in 2018 and helps mobility OEMs reach climate-neutral products by introducing a new design and manufacturing standard for strong parts at lowest weight, lower cost and zero waste.
Additive Fusion Technology is an all-in-one solution which is particularly attractive to help customers reduce their carbon footprint with environmentally friendly materials and processes that eliminate waste and minimise resources.
9T Labs’ software as a service (SAAS) suite is powered by integrated finite element analysis (FEA) simulation tools, allowing quick turnaround of optimised designs. In combination with innovative additive manufacturing equipment and advanced post processing technology, it gives producing companies with the needed tools to start their production in small batches and quickly scale it up.
The company claims that users can reduce their time-to-market, while limiting the financial risk they take.
In July, the Dufour Aerospace X2.2 prototype aircraft successfully demonstrated full transition from vertical take-off to horizontal cruise, the third that demonstrates the aerodynamic qualities of Dufour’s tilt-wing design.