Dear Colleagues,

Three-dimensional (3D) printing is a process that uses computer-aided design (CAD) data to achieve the continuous layered deposition of different shapes to produce 3D objects. Consequently, 3D-printed objects can have any geometric shape(s) and features. Thanks to this feature, 3D printing has been applied in numerous industries in which the traditional manufacturing processes are relatively complex, have long cycle times, and struggle to maintain precision. The applications of 3D printing technologies have overcome these problems to reduce manufacturing costs and shorten cycle times.

This Special Issue is focused on the application of 3D printing in the aircraft industry. The applications of 3D printing in the aircraft industry differ from those in other industries in the following aspects: oligopoly, project-based production, long cycle times, and the pursuit of lighter products. Nevertheless, to date, 3D printing, as a green production technology, has benefitted the aircraft industry with shortened cycle times, reduced production costs, and lighter component weights. In particular, the light weight of airplanes reduces fuel consumption and in turn elevates profitability. In addition, the aviation market demands that spare parts be delivered rapidly. By 3D printing spare parts domestically, the need for transporting spare parts to meet the local demand is eliminated; thereby, the cycle time can be dramatically shortened.

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

• 3D printing applications to test functional spare parts;
• 3D printing applications to generate prototypes;
• 3D printing applications to evaluate the machinability of molds;
• 3D printing applications to making molding models;
• 3D printing applications to mimic natural structures in making aircraft parts;
• 3D printing applications to optimize the design of the structure;
• 3D printing applications to make spare parts for aircraft maintenance;
• 3D printing applications to make an entire drone or unmanned aerial vehicle;
• 3D printing applications to create a global supply chain of spare parts;
• 3D printing applications to monitor the structural conditions of aircraft;
• 3D printing applications to the lightweight of airplanes;
• How can we 3D print an entire airplane?
• How can intellectual property rights be protected?
• New measures for evaluating maintenance and repair performance;
• New methods for making airplanes;
• New materials for making airplanes;
• Potential for new airplane designs;
• Globalization and deglobalization;
• Lowering the entry threshold for the aircraft maintenance market;
• Inspection and testing applications for 3D-printed aircraft parts;
• Battlefield applications;
• Other related topics.

Dr. Yu-Cheng Wang
Prof. Dr. Tin-Chih Toly Chen
Guest Editors

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