Boeing engineers use 3D printer to create 3-D models

Boeing engineers are using 3-D printing to aid in rapid prototyping efforts. 3-D printing is similar to that of a standard inkjet printer. A computer generated 3-D model is sent to the printer, which divides it into extremely thin cross sections. A powder is layered across each cross section at a rate of one vertical inch per hour. Teams across Boeing are using 3-D printing in a plethora of ways, including fit check models, shop aids, tool mock-ups and visualization models.