HAL and Wipro 3D sign an MoU for 3D printing

Bengaluru: In its kind of first and unique collaboration in India in Metal 3D Printing, state-run defence and aerospace manufacturer Navratna PSU, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Wipro 3D, the metal additive manufacturing (AM) business of Wipro Infrastructure Engineering (WIN), have signed an memorandum of agreement (MoU) recently to design, develop, prove out, manufacture and repair of aerospace components using Metal Additive Technology. This MoU also accentuates development, prove out and application of new material for use in Metal Additive Technology.

'Will accelerate the adoption of metal additive manufacturing in Aerospace'

This path-breaking initiative will focus on development, prove out and production of Aerospace applications including 'Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul' (MRO), using metal additive manufacturing. Prove-outs and certification of components developed using Metal 3D Printing is also a key element of this co-operation.

Commenting on the collaboration, Bangalore Complex of HAL's CEO Shekhar Shrivastava said, "This initiative between HAL and Wipro 3D will create a unique synergy of capabilities that can accelerate the adoption of metal additive manufacturing in Aerospace in India. Qualification of parts for Aerospace is challenging as it would require to prove out and extensive testing followed by certification by regulatory authorities which may also include flight testing. This cooperation would be a unique opportunity for both parties. Metal 3D printing has the potential to play a significant role in the success of national aerospace and Defence platforms including HAL's own needs.”

"This cooperation would be a unique opportunity for both parties. Metal 3D printing has the potential to play a significant role in the success of national aerospace and Defence platforms including HAL's own needs”: Shekhar Shrivastava

Bringing Metal 3D printing into the mainstream

Wipro Infrastructure Engineering's CEO Pratik Kumar said, "This MoU will bring Metal 3D printing into the mainstream of India's Aerospace. Wipro 3D and HAL have worked together in the past. This further strengthens our collaborative efforts to create additive technology leadership in Aerospace."

Globally, the Aerospace industry has been one of the foremost adopters of Metal 3D printing due to the benefits of faster design iterations, weight and geometry optimization, performance improvement and flexible manufacturing.

Wipro 3D's Vice President & Business Head Ajay Parikh said, “The MoU will provide significant manufacturing and MRO flexibility and freedom to existing, upcoming, and legacy Aerospace programmes. The Additive Technology capability Wipro 3D has built over years in Aerospace and Defence verticals will help us in collaborating with HAL”