Assessment Task: Report 2 3D printing, or additive manufacturing technology, is a unique manufacturing technique where a three-dimensional object can be manufactured from a computer-aided design (CAD) model. This technology has been broadly adopted in other fields of engineering, for instance in automobile engineering and medical equipment manufacturing. By undertaking research, investigate how the use of 3D printing technology has, or could, improve the efficiency of MROs in carrying out aircraft maintenance activities. With the embodiment of utilising printed parts on the aircraft during maintenance, what issues, in terms of reliability and safety, could surround their use? Establish what responsibilities the OEM’s, MRO’s, and aviation authorities have in ensuring the 3D printing technology could be successfully adopted in aviation maintenance as it has been in other branches of engineering. In your own words, write a report detailing the research carried out, critical analysis and discussion of findings with a conclusion as to whether 3D printing technology will be integral to aviation maintenance.
