Applied Research on utilizing 3D Scanning and 3D Printing Technologies to Optimize AircraftMaintenance and Repair

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KF Aerospace is Canada's largest commercial provider of aircraft maintenance and repair services, specializing in innovative aviation services for corporate, commercial and military customers worldwide. Launched nearly 50 years ago out of British Columbia's Okanagan Valley, KF has grown to employ a highly skilled workforce of more than 1,100 people in facilities across Canada. Due to rapidly growing client demand for aircraft maintenance and repair, KF Aerospace is seeking assistance from Okanagan College (OC) to research, develop and test a new prototype process using state-of-the-art 3D scanners and printers that will return aircraft to service more quickly. The applied research to be conducted in this project will involve the development and testing of a prototype process to determine its feasibility and practical application potential for increasing aircraft maintenance and repair capabilities for KF Aerospace. This will involve use of a 3D scanner to scan aircraft components or sections in need of replacement, which will generate a virtual 3D computer-based model. Once the scan of a component or part is completed, the data points are electronically transposed to computer-aided design (CAD) modeling software for additional measurement, editing and manipulation. Once the design is finalized, it will be electronically translated to a large-scale 3D printer. The device will print a mold of the component or part using plastic material. The mold will then be used to manufacture the real aircraft component or part that needs to be replaced using metal or another type of material as needed for the particular application. KF Aerospace is well positioned to participate in this applied research project given its considerable expertise and experience in aircraft engineering, maintenance and repair. The company will benefit from increased capacity to support growing aircraft maintenance and repair needs, reduced costs and a decrease in the time needed to return aircraft to service. OC will benefit through advancement of joint applied research that will support programs offered in the Aerospace Technology department, and create innovative learning and teaching opportunities for students and faculty.