On 26 November a delegation from Airbus China, headed by COO Rafael Gonzalez-Ripoll visited Institute of Metal Research (IMR),Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). IMR director Yang Rui and Rafael Gonzalez-Ripoll signed a cooperation agreement. The first two projects chosen in this co-operation are focussing on materials and coatings.Before the signing ceremony, IMR deputy director Zhang Jian gave an overview presentation of research activities at IMR.

According to the agreement IMR and Airbus will explore ways to improve the process of producing powders and wire for Additive Layer Manufacturing with lower costs and shorter lead time while achieving aeronautical quality. The research is significant as additive manufacturing processes are increasingly being adopted worldwide.

In addition, innovative environmentally friendly coatings for the protection of light weight metal alloys will be evaluated for their ability to improve corrosion resistance. IMR has a track record of supporting ways to reducing weight of parts needed in aeronautics.

“We are pleased to have the opportunity to carry out this research with Airbus, the world’s leading aircraft manufacturer,” says IMR director Yang Rui.“As ALM technology is being increasingly applied in the aeronautical manufacturing industry, the demand for powder and wire for ALM will increase. We believe our research on coatings will also contribute to the sustainable development of aeronautics. In return, the cooperation with Airbus will help us to nurture our team and demonstrate our capability on an international platform.”

“These cooperation projects with IMR are an important addition to Airbus’ R&T cooperation portfolio with Chinese research institutions and universities” says Rafael Gonzalez-Ripoll, COO of Airbus China. “R&T cooperation is an important part of Airbus’ overall strategic partnership with China, ranging from manufacturing to air traffic management, training and environment protection. Chinese institutes have demonstrated their commitment and capability through our previous cooperation projects and we will continue to seek more opportunities for R&T cooperation with Chinese institutions like IMR in the future.”

““As a leading aircraft manufacturer in the world, Airbus has been a pioneer in the introduction of new technology and we will carry on with that spirit of innovation into the future. We are continuously seeking innovative ideas from around the world with the aim to transform them into industrially effective solutions to ensure the sustainable development of aviation.” says Axel Flaig, Head of Research and Technology, Airbus.

Researchers from the Titanium Alloys Division and Environmental Corrosion Centre of IMR attended the signing ceremony. Airbus visitors toured relevant laboratories during their stay at IMR.