Case Study: Liebherr-Aerospace Lindenberg reduces aircraft valve block weight and production time with EOS metal 3D printing

Liebherr-Aerospace Lindenberg cuts valve block weight by 35% with EOS GmbH

Liebherr-Aerospace Lindenberg GmbH sought to replace a conventional high-pressure hydraulic valve block, a primary flight control component for aircraft, with one made using additive manufacturing. The challenge was to create a part that would meet all stringent aviation certification requirements while also achieving weight reduction and greater production efficiency. They partnered with vendor EOS GmbH to utilize its EOS M 290 system and metal 3D printing technology.

The solution from EOS involved redesigning the valve block for additive manufacturing, consolidating parts and using a titanium alloy. This resulted in a component with the same performance but a 35% weight reduction and the functional integration of 10 parts into one. EOS GmbH's technology also helped reduce production time by 75%, minimized material waste, and contributed to lower fuel consumption and emissions for the aircraft. The 3D-printed part was successfully tested on an Airbus A380.

Liebherr-Aerospace Lindenberg GmbH