The 9,000-square-foot addition to the Collins Aerospace facility will accommodate new cutting-edge 3D metal printers, with the first printer installed boasting eight times the build volume.
Collins Aerospace, a business of Raytheon Technologies Corporation, marked a significant milestone with the opening of a $14 million expansion to its additive manufacturing center in West Des Moines, Iowa. The 9,000-square-foot addition will accommodate several new cutting-edge 3D metal printers, with the first printer installed boasting eight times the build volume of the center’s existing printers. This expansion significantly enhances the center’s additive manufacturing capabilities.
The West Des Moines facility is renowned globally for its expertise in designing and producing engine components for both commercial and military aircraft. With the installation of the new printers, the site will explore the additive production of engine components, further building on its current production of land-based turbine components. Furthermore, the facility stands among a select group of eight locations in the United States to receive the National Aerospace and Defense Contractors Accreditation Program (NADCAP) certification for Additive Manufacturing, highlighting its commitment to excellence and quality in this advanced manufacturing technique.
“From supporting the backlog in commercial aircraft to enabling future platforms, and reducing carbon emissions to providing supply chain relief, additive manufacturing is poised to play an integral role in the future of the aerospace and defense industry,” said Renee Begley, West Des Moines site lead, Collins Aerospace. “Additive manufacturing has the potential to help us reduce weight, complexity, lead time and cost in the parts we supply, and this expansion represents an investment in our business to help deliver those benefits to our customers,” she further added.
Additive manufacturing remains a crucial focus area for Collins Aerospace, as evidenced by its global network of additive production centers in Iowa, Minnesota, North Carolina, and Singapore. Additionally, the business operates an additive research center in Connecticut. These strategic facilities are integral to Collins Aerospace’s efforts to advance additive manufacturing technologies, harness their full potential, and remain at the forefront of aerospace innovation.
“Since 1933 when Collins was founded in Cedar Rapids, Iowa has been proud to be a home to this global manufacturing powerhouse,” stated Kim Reynolds, Governor, Ioha. “Today’s expansion in West Des Moines is a testament to the commitment Collins Aerospace has made to our state, and we’re equally committed to providing the strong economic environment that will fuel its innovation here for decades more to come,” she further added.
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The expansion of Collins Aerospace’s additive manufacturing center in West Des Moines signifies the company’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of technological capabilities and advancing the aerospace industry’s progress. With state-of-the-art 3D metal printers and a commitment to excellence, Collins Aerospace is well-positioned to continue its tradition of innovation and deliver cutting-edge solutions to its customers worldwide.
