A recent patent filing has been publish in which Boeing is trying to protect a process of replacing aircraft parts via 3D printing. The patent would allow for parts to be fabricated with plasters, metals, metal alloys and plastics and quickly placed on an aircraft. Additionally Boeing has unveiled that there are now over 20,000 3d printed components on their aircraft, and a total of 300 different parts which span 10 different aircraft production programs. Currently all the parts of 3d printed with plastics, but as the patent explains new materials seem to be in the works. More details on this story can be found here: http://3dprint.com/49489/boeing-3d-print

Let's hear your thoughts on this story.... Below is a look at an image from the patent filing: