Invar, wire additive manufacturing expand aerocomposite tooling options: Invar facesheets and backing structures are candidates for large-format 3D printing to more quickly and effciently produce aerostructures tooling.

The article focuses on use of composite that has soared in commercial aircraft and mentions challenge in carbon fiber composite prepreg that has coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE). Topics discussed include 3D printing of thermoplastic composite, technology option for wire-arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) and metal explored by welding supplier Lincoln Electric.