This article is based on an official press release from DELO Adhesives and Böllhoff.

DELO and Böllhoff Unveil 8-Second Curing Fastener for Aerospace Interiors

In a move designed to accelerate aircraft production and reduce cabin weight, German manufacturers DELO Adhesives and Böllhoff have announced a strategic partnership to adapt the ONSERT® fastening technology for the aerospace sector. The collaboration, detailed in a joint press release issued on February 19, 2026, introduces a bonding solution that reportedly cures in under eight seconds, significantly outpacing traditional epoxy methods.

The new system combines Böllhoff’s transparent plastic fastening elements with DELO’s specialized PHOTOBOND FB4151 adhesive. According to the companies, this technology is engineered to replace conventional screws, rivets, and slow-curing liquid adhesives, addressing the industry’s dual need for lightweighting and automated assembly. The solution is scheduled to be showcased at the Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX) in Hamburg from April 14–16, 2026.

Rapid Curing for High-Volume Production

The core innovation highlighted in the announcement is the speed of the bonding process. While traditional two-part epoxies often require minutes or hours to reach handling strength, the DELO PHOTOBOND FB4151 adhesive is designed to cure in approximately eight seconds using UV or visible light irradiation. This capability is intended to facilitate robotic “pick-and-place” assembly, moving aerospace manufacturing closer to the high-speed efficiency standards seen in the automotive industry.

Sebastian Stasch, Product Manager for Industrial Solutions at DELO, emphasized the transfer of this technology from automotive to aerospace applications:

“Our light-curing adhesives have been successfully established in the automotive industry for years. Now they also enable efficient manufacturing processes with short cycle times and great freedom of design in the aerospace industry.”

Technical specifications provided by the manufacturers indicate that despite the rapid cure time, the adhesive maintains high structural integrity. The bond reportedly achieves a compression shear strength of approximately 20 MPa and offers high flexibility with an elongation at break of roughly 80%. This flexibility is critical for withstanding the vibrations and thermal expansion differences inherent in flight operations, with a stated operating temperature range of -40°C to +120°C.

Preserving Composite Integrity

A significant advantage of the ONSERT® system, as outlined in the release, is the elimination of drilling. Modern aircraft, such as the Airbus A350 and Boeing 787, rely heavily on composite materials like carbon fiber and honeycomb panels. Drilling holes into these materials can create stress concentrations, weaken the structural integrity, and generate hazardous dust.

By using a bonded fastener system, where a cable holder, clip, or stud is glued directly to the panel, manufacturers can preserve the substrate’s strength. Franz Drüke, Product Manager at Böllhoff, noted the reliability of the joint system:

“The combination of the ONSERT fastening element from Böllhoff and the DELO adhesive creates a powerful joining technology for aircraft interiors, lightweight, process-reliable and ideal for series production.”

The technology has already found a prominent adopter. According to the release, Recaro Aircraft Seating is utilizing the system in its CL6720 business class seat. Each seat requires approximately 100 attachment points for cable routing to support in-flight entertainment, power, and lighting systems. The switch to bonded fasteners contributes to weight reduction, a critical factor for fuel efficiency, and streamlines the complex assembly of seat electronics.

Regulatory Compliance

Safety remains the paramount concern in aerospace interiors. The press release confirms that the new fastening solution meets the rigorous flammability and toxicity standards required for cabin materials. Specifically, the system complies with FAR Part 25 § 25.853 (Vertical Burn Test) and meets Airbus standard ABD0031 for smoke density and toxic gas emissions.

AirPro News Analysis

The introduction of an 8-second curing cycle represents a significant shift for aerospace interiors. Historically, the “curing bottleneck” of traditional epoxies has limited the speed at which cabin sub-assemblies can be produced. As airlines pressure manufacturers to clear record backlogs, technologies that enable automation are becoming essential rather than optional.

Furthermore, the focus on “no-drill” solutions aligns with the broader industry push toward Net Zero 2050. By protecting the integrity of lightweight composites, manufacturers can utilize thinner, lighter panels without reinforcing drill sites, ultimately shaving kilograms off the empty weight of the aircraft. While individual fasteners save only grams, the cumulative effect across thousands of attachment points in a wide-body cabin offers measurable fuel savings over the aircraft’s lifespan.

Sources

• DELO Adhesives Press Release
• Böllhoff ONSERT Technology

This article is based on an official press release from PyroGenesis Canada Inc.

PyroGenesis Secures Strategic Titanium Powder Order from European Aerospace Research Entity

PyroGenesis Canada Inc. (TSX: PYR, OTCQX: PYRGF), a leader in the design and manufacture of advanced plasma processes, has confirmed a significant new order for its titanium metal powder. According to an official announcement released on February 23, 2026, the order comes from a prominent “Scientific Aerospace Research Organization” based in Europe. This transaction marks a pivotal moment for the company, representing the first commercial validation of its NexGen™ plasma atomization technology by a major European research body.

The client, whose identity remains confidential, will utilize the titanium powder for Electron Beam Melting (EBM), a specialized 3D printing process used to manufacture high-performance aerospace components. This development signals PyroGenesis’ expanding footprint in the European additive manufacturing sector and highlights the versatility of its proprietary production systems.

Details of the European Order

The agreement specifies the delivery of titanium metal powder (Ti-6Al-4V, commonly known as “Ti64”). Unlike previous orders that often focused on “fine” cuts for Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF), this order requests a “coarse” cut with a particle size range of 45–106 µm (microns). This specific size distribution is tailored for EBM printers, which use a high-energy electron beam to fuse metal powder in a vacuum environment.

In the company’s press release, PyroGenesis emphasized the strategic nature of the client. Described as a “Scientific Aerospace Research Organization,” the entity operates similarly to national research bodies where government agencies and private aerospace leaders collaborate to advance innovation. These organizations often serve as technology gatekeepers, validating materials and processes before they are adopted by commercial aerospace manufacturers.

“This order is significant as it marks the first commercial validation of PyroGenesis’ NexGen™ plasma atomization technology by a major European research entity.”

, PyroGenesis Canada Inc. Press Release

Clarification on Client Identity

While the client is described as a “Scientific Aerospace Research Organization,” PyroGenesis has clarified that this is a description of the entity’s function rather than its specific name. Industry observers note that the client is distinct from U.S.-based defense firms with similar acronyms; the press release explicitly identifies the customer as a European organization.

Strategic Implications and Technology Validation

This order serves as a critical proof point for PyroGenesis’ NexGen™ plasma atomization system. The technology is designed to produce highly spherical, dense, and pure powders with excellent flowability, traits that are essential for preventing defects in mission-critical aerospace parts.

Expanding Beyond Fine Cuts

Historically, much of the demand for titanium powder in additive manufacturing has centered on fine cuts (15–45 µm) for laser-based systems. By securing a commercial order for the 45–106 µm coarse cut, PyroGenesis demonstrates that its NexGen™ system can effectively service the EBM market as well. This versatility allows the company to address a broader segment of the additive manufacturing industry.

Market Context

The global market for titanium powder in additive manufacturing is experiencing robust growth. Industry projections estimate the market could expand from approximately $214 million in 2023 to $1.4 billion by 2032. Titanium is classified as a “Critical Mineral” by both Canadian and U.S. governments due to its high strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance, making it indispensable for defense and aerospace applications.

AirPro News Analysis

The “Gatekeeper” Strategy: Securing an order from a major research organization is often a precursor to larger commercial contracts. Entities like the one described by PyroGenesis typically validate materials for broader industry use. If the NexGen™ powder performs well in this R&D environment, it could clear the path for adoption by the commercial partners associated with the research organization.

Momentum in 2026: This European win follows a series of successes for PyroGenesis in the North-America market. In January 2026, the company announced a 1-tonne recurring order from a U.S. materials company, following a 3.5-tonne order in late 2025. The addition of a European client diversifies the company’s revenue base and reduces reliance on a single geographic market.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Electron Beam Melting (EBM)?
EBM is a type of 3D printing that uses a high-energy electron beam to melt metal powder layer by layer. It takes place in a vacuum and at high temperatures, resulting in stress-relieved parts with material properties comparable to wrought metal. It typically requires coarser powder (45–106 µm) compared to laser-based methods.

What is NexGen™ Plasma Atomization?
NexGen™ is PyroGenesis’ proprietary technology for producing metal powders. It uses plasma torches to atomize wire feedstock into spherical powder. The company claims production rates exceeding 25 kg/hour, which offers potential cost advantages over legacy atomization methods.

Why is the client anonymous?
It is common in the aerospace and defense sectors for clients to request anonymity due to the sensitive nature of their research and development projects. The description provided suggests a high-profile entity where confidentiality is standard protocol.

Sources:
PyroGenesis Press Release

This article is based on an official press release from RTX.

Pratt & Whitney Invests $200 Million to Expand Georgia Manufacturing Capabilities

Pratt & Whitney, an RTX business, has announced a $200 million investment to expand its manufacturing operations in Columbus, Georgia. According to an official company press release issued on February 24, 2026, the investment will fund the addition of a seventh isothermal forging press at the Columbus Forge facility. The expansion is designed to increase the production of critical engine components for both commercial aircraft and military programs.

The aerospace manufacturer stated that the new infrastructure aims to boost the output of rotating compressor and turbine disks by 30%. These components are essential for the Geared Turbofan (GTF) engines used in commercial aviation, as well as the F135 engine that powers the F-35 Lightning II fighter jet. The company expects the new forging press to become operational by 2028.

Strengthening Industrial Capacity

The Columbus Forge facility plays a central role in Pratt & Whitney’s supply chain, producing high-performance parts that must withstand extreme temperatures and stresses. In the press release, Pratt & Whitney President Shane Eddy emphasized the strategic necessity of the expansion.

“This latest investment will increase output of critical parts for our growing military and commercial engine programs and underscores our commitment to supporting customers worldwide.”

The project is expected to initially create 15 new jobs, with further hiring anticipated as operations scale up. This investment builds upon a long-term presence in the region; the company notes it has invested more than $1 billion in its Columbus operations since 2008. The campus currently employs approximately 2,600 workers.

Strategic Context and Recent Growth

This announcement follows a series of recent capital improvements at the Columbus campus. According to RTX, the facility recently completed a $70 million expansion of its GTF Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) center. That project added 81,000 square feet to the facility and increased its annual capacity by more than 25%.

The dual investment in both new manufacturing (forging) and aftermarket services (MRO) highlights the facility’s importance to the broader RTX propulsion portfolio. By locating these capabilities on the same campus, Pratt & Whitney aims to streamline logistics and support the growing global fleet of GTF-powered aircraft and F-35 fighters.

AirPro News Analysis

The decision to add a seventh isothermal forging press signals a focus on resolving supply chain bottlenecks for high-value engine components. Isothermal forging is a specialized process that maintains the workpiece at a constant temperature during shaping, allowing for the production of near-net-shape parts from superalloys. This process is critical for manufacturing the turbine disks that reside at the heart of modern jet engines.

For the aviation industry, this investment addresses a key pinch point. Both the commercial GTF and military F135 programs have faced pressure to ramp up production and sustainment rates. By internalizing more of this specialized forging capacity, RTX appears to be moving to secure its supply of the most difficult-to-manufacture parts, reducing reliance on external factors and potentially improving delivery timelines for airframers and defense customers by the 2028 operational target.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the specific equipment being added?
Pratt & Whitney is adding a seventh isothermal forging press to its Columbus Forge facility.

When will the new capacity be online?
The company expects the new press to be operational in 2028.

Which engine programs benefit from this investment?
The expansion supports the commercial GTF (Geared Turbofan) engine and the military F135 engine, among others.

How much has Pratt & Whitney invested in Columbus recently?
In addition to this $200 million project, the company recently completed a $70 million expansion of its MRO center. Total investment in the site since 2008 exceeds $1 billion.

Sources

• RTX