A new environmentally friendly aircraft bracket has been unveiled, made from 3D-printed carbon fiber and recycled thermoplastic composites.
Diehl Aviation (located in Überlingen, Germany) and 9T Labs (based in Zurich, Switzerland) have jointly released the Eco Bracket, a lightweight component made from a combination of 3D-printed carbon fiber elements and recycled thermoplastic composites extracted from manufacturing waste. In the aviation industry, aluminum brackets are used to mount cabin components and systems onto the aircraft structure. Traditionally, expensive metal components have been employed in high-usage areas, such as overhead luggage compartments above passenger seats.
According to reports, the Eco Bracket not only consists of composite materials but also provides optimal load distribution while combining high mechanical performance with cost-effectiveness. At the same time, the Eco Bracket emphasizes environmental sustainability by reducing carbon dioxide emissions. The advantages of this bracket are as follows:
50% Weight Reduction: The use of lightweight materials and design optimization has reduced the weight by half compared to traditional aluminum brackets.
50% Cost Savings: Manufacturing costs can be halved while maintaining the same mechanical performance compared to aluminum solutions.
Environmentally Friendly: By reusing production waste and recycling used components at the end of their lifecycle, the Eco Bracket contributes to reducing manufacturing waste and promoting sustainable production practices.
9T Labs and Diehl Aviation showcased the Eco Bracket for the first time at the Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg, Germany.
