en.Wedoany.com Reported - July 14, 2026, The SONRISA joint project, led by Liebherr-Aerospace Lindenberg GmbH, is funded by the Federal Republic of Germany under the LuFoVII-1 framework with funding code 20X2401C. Project partners include the Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung), Boeing Germany GmbH, Materialise, MTU Aero Engines AG, and associated partner Carl Zeiss Industrielle Messtechnik GmbH.
The core of the project is to develop a digital, standardized quality assurance concept for weight-optimized 3D-printed aviation components. The consortium aims to ensure the stability and repeatability of the Laser Powder Bed Fusion (PBF-LB/M) process through in-situ and ex-situ process monitoring and statistical process control, thereby shortening the approval process for components in the aviation sector. By building a robust data infrastructure, adopting advanced analytical methods, and optimizing testing concepts, the project seeks to reduce costs, time, and energy consumption in quality assurance, support international standardization efforts (EASA, FAA), and contribute to the sustainability of the aviation industry.
Within the sub-project scope, Materialise, as a global leader in 3D printing software and services, is responsible for developing digital concepts for the quality assessment of metal PBF-LB/M components. By integrating and analyzing process data and test data (e.g., temperature, image, and CT data), the project will enable automated, data-driven acceptance decisions. Additionally, the team is developing a virtual feasibility testing workflow for 3D printing, which will have a direct impact during the CAD design phase. Materialise expects that this work will bring technological and sustainability improvements, strengthen its methodological foundation in quality assurance, and expand its software product portfolio for aviation and other certified markets.
Bart Van der Schueren, CTO of Materialise, stated: "This project is all about building trust. We have the opportunity to play a significant role in shaping the perception and adoption of additive manufacturing in aviation, proving to the industry that this technology can deliver the components they need at the quality and price points they require. As the preferred partner for additive manufacturing in aerospace, Materialise has been driving this movement for years; now, we are excited to see how this project helps the aerospace industry pursue a more sustainable and cost-effective future."
