Boeing Patents 3D Printing Technology Making Artificial Ice

[Brian_Krassenstein]

Boeing has just patented a new technology to 3D print artificial "ice", which will help alleviate the aircraft certification process. The new patent will help Boeing test hazardous icy conditions on their aircraft in a much more affordable and efficient way. Think this artificial "ice" printing technology is 'cool'? Read more at 3DPrint.com: https://3dprint.com/130280/boeing-pa...rtificial-ice/

[Tim Caffrey]

We were building ice shapes for wind tunnel models at Boeing in 1993 on an SLA 500. We would cut them into ~18-inch sections, stand them on edge, and build >100 at a time. The models were glued and fastened onto the leading edges of control surfaces and tested in the low-speed wind tunnel. I'm a little surprised this concept is patentable, and also surprised Boeing has taken over 20 years to get around to patenting.