Imagine building a plane where you don't need thousands of tiny metal pins to hold the skin to the frame. Instead, this method uses 3D printing to create interlocking 'puzzle pieces' that lock metal and carbon fiber together perfectly. It's like replacing old-fashioned nails with high-tech snaps that are lighter and easier to take apart for recycling.
Traditional aircraft assembly relies on rivets which increase weight, damage carbon fibers during drilling, and make maintenance and recycling difficult.
A rivet-less joining system for AlSi10Mg and CFRP, validated through a prototype of an aircraft vertical stabilizer and extensive fatigue/static testing samples.
If you are an aircraft manufacturer dealing with long assembly times and heavy rivet payloads — this project developed a rivet-less AM-CFRP joint that reduces lead time by 65% and weight by 51%.
If you are a maintenance provider dealing with hard-to-inspect rivets and failure issues — this project developed a new joint concept that simplifies inspection and allows for 90% CFRP material regeneration.
If you are a specialized AM shop dealing with limited high-value aerospace applications — this project developed a certified process for AlSi10Mg alloy joints that creates a business case via a vertical stabilizer prototype.
Based on available project data, the technology reduces lead time by 65% and overall weight by 51%, which directly lowers assembly costs and operational fuel expenses.
The project aims to reach TRL6 and uses a vertical stabilizer for narrow body airliners as a concrete business case to prove industrial viability.
Based on available project data, the project includes the development of a business plan for exploitation (OB8) and pre-standardization for certification (OB5).
The project specifically includes the establishment of safety levels for regulation and certification as a core objective (OB5).
The project focuses on reducing lead time by 65%, suggesting a significantly faster integration compared to traditional riveting processes.
The consortium is heavily industry-driven with a 78% industry ratio, consisting of 7 industrial partners and only 2 academic/research entities. With 5 SMEs involved across 5 countries, the project is structured for commercial transfer rather than pure theory, focusing on practical manufacturing and certification.
Contact Politecnico di Torino regarding the vertical stabilizer business case.
Contact us to connect with the MIMOSA consortium for licensing the AM-CFRP joint technology.
