Case Study: Airbus Operations GmbH achieves 75% lighter air separator with Cadence generative design

Airbus Operations GmbH cuts air separator weight 75% with Cadence

Airbus Operations GmbH faced the challenge of redesigning a critical air separator component for its A330 aircraft, which was originally a complex assembly of over 30 stainless steel parts. The objectives were to drastically reduce its weight and number of components, lower manufacturing costs, and maintain all functional interfaces. To achieve this, Airbus partnered with Cadence and leveraged their MSC Apex Generative Design software for the design optimization phase.

Cadence provided a comprehensive digital solution, utilizing their generative design software to create a single, fully integrated component and their Simufact Additive software to simulate and optimize the manufacturing process. This resulted in a new air separator that was 75% lighter, reducing its mass from 35kg to just 9kg. The project also achieved a significant reduction in individual parts, from over 30 to just one, which promises substantial cost savings and an estimated reduction of 246 tons of CO2 over the aircraft's lifecycle.

Airbus Operations GmbH