nir-vana innovation network

Supply bottlenecks and delays in the delivery of spare parts are a major problem for the aviation industry. The repair, overhaul and modernization of aircraft cabins sometimes requires only small quantities of spare parts, which then have to be procured from far away with long delivery times, at high cost and with a significant environmental impact. A German start-up, founded in 2021, enables the decentralized, fast, flexible, cost-effective and more sustainable production of individualized spare parts through 3D-printing. The technology can be used for repair anufacturing in situ, retro fit-cabin upgrade, OEM and supplier solutions and VIP total care cabin parts. This includes spare parts for seats, tables, monitors, trays, side panels, light panels and speakers that can be manufactured at the location of the aircraft to be repaired. Currently the company is focused on polymer parts, with the future goal of expanding into metal and composites. The company also offers reverse engineering: 3D scans of components are used to create a 3D model which is then used to optimize the geometry before printing. The startup is one of the first 3D printing companies to be approved by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) as a manufacturing facility with EASA Part-21/G certification for the production of aircraft components with EASA Form 1. It also meets the Standards of the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The German company is the only company authorized to resell this license. It now intends to establish a global network of production partners who, by acquiring a license and the necessary production cells from the German company, can become licensed suppliers for clients from the aviation industry. The German company provides the licenses and can also offer integrated solutions including the necessary manufacturing cells. Possible production partners can be maintenance, repair, and overhaul companies (MROs), equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and aviation suppliers. Also sought are additive manufacturing system manufacturers, software developers, or partners from academia to further develop technology and necessary hardware. In addition, airlines are sought for customization of cabin interiors and other parts. Other possible partners are materials providers that can provide and, if necessary, customize materials for specific aviation applications. The German company provides the necessary transfer of know-how, training of personnel and - depending on requirements - the necessary hardware (Manufacturing Cells) or its certification. The desired types of cooperation are commercial agreements with technical assistance or R&D agreements.