Spirit to test Norsk structural parts for B787

Aerostructure manufacturer Spirit AeroSystems will begin testing additive manufactured titanium structural components for the B787.

Kansas-based Spirit has agreed to qualify its first additive-manufactured parts from Norsk Titanium, which includes validation of production and industrialization process, integration of its "workscope of machining final parts" and verification of material and final part conformity.

"Spirit has had a comprehensive and long relationship with Norsk Titanium, and this part will be our first additive structural titanium component incorporated into a commercial airplane program," said Spirit senior vice president of fabrication and supply chain management Ron Rabe.

Norsk has used its rapid plasma deposition technology to produce serial B787 components since April of 2017. The companies plan for commercial aircraft parts to begin serial production later this year.

Spirit plans to expand its fabrication business to support other manufactures as well.