AM Craft enables cabin modernization in Finnair’s A320 fleet through 3D printing

To remove the heavy, outdated, flip-down video monitors from the passenger service units, Finnair commissioned AM Craft to redesign and 3D print certified replacement panels.

AM Craft used its expertise in 3D printing to realize the production of these parts quickly and without tooling costs, which is particularly advantageous for low volumes and high product variety.

Finnair’s Totti Pekonen, Manager Cabin & Payload Engineering stated, “Since starting the installation campaign of the printed panels as a fleet-wide solution during the fourth quarter of 2023, the work has been progressing smoothly and on schedule thanks to the support from AM Craft.”

This has enabled AM Craft to design the cover panels to optimize weight and to be produced and delivered exactly when they are needed. They also meet all of Finnair’s operational and airworthiness requirements. Thanks to the EASA 21G production organization approval, AM Craft was also able to certify the airworthiness of the manufactured parts.

“This project is a great example of how well additive manufacturing fits within the aviation sector. As the average age of the commercial fleet continues to grow, there are many opportunities where it makes sense to redesign a part and produce only the quantity needed rather than try to leverage the long lead-times of the original source. With additive manufacturing, we can realize great low-volume, high-mix economics, and we can often reduce part count and weight in the process,” said Janis Jatnieks, AM Craft’s Chief Commercial Officer. “Without additive manufacturing, this could have been a much slower and more expensive project, but because AM Craft can manage the entire project to design and certify a printable solution, Finnair saved time and money.”

AM Craft’s flexible production model allows the cover plates to be delivered to Finnair exactly when they are needed. This minimizes excess inventory and eliminates costs associated with the traditional supply chain.

 “Now that this part has been developed, certified, and added to our digital catalog, it will be available to Finnair, or any other airline that requires this solution for an A320, again at any point in the future,” added Jatnieks, “and because of our network of approved production facilities, if the next part is needed in Dubai or Singapore, we can produce it locally and have it ready to install wherever it is need without stocking or shipping.”

Totti Pekonen noted, “The parts we received from AM Craft were of high quality and delivered on time. Though they were a new supplier for us on the PSU project, we have been very impressed by their expertise and professionalism and look forward to continuing to work with them.”

With several shipsets installed and further installations planned within 2024, Finnair and AM Craft see further opportunities to work together on future projects.