At our monthly BoD meeting we discussed the proliferation of 3D printing. We all agree that the technology is exciting and will undoubtedly lead to some great designs. However, for two reasons the board has decided to prohibit the use of 3D printed fin cans for Level 3 certification flights. The two reasons are:
1. It’s impossible to know whether the L3 candidate designed the fin can. Simply printing a shared file doesn’t demonstrate expertise or knowledge, which is what certification represents.
2. The strength of most 3D printed parts is still not strong enough.
The board has not prohibited the use entirely. We would like it if actual launch experience with 3D printed fin cans gets reported so we can better understand what the risks are from this technology. Our L3 certification procedure will be updated with this prohibition.
Thanks,
Steve
1. It’s impossible to know whether the L3 candidate designed the fin can. Simply printing a shared file doesn’t demonstrate expertise or knowledge, which is what certification represents.
2. The strength of most 3D printed parts is still not strong enough.
The board has not prohibited the use entirely. We would like it if actual launch experience with 3D printed fin cans gets reported so we can better understand what the risks are from this technology. Our L3 certification procedure will be updated with this prohibition.
Thanks,
Steve
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