Three dimensional printing of parts

A method and apparatus is presented. The apparatus comprises a parts library, a database, and a parts management system. The parts library is configured to store a plurality of part definition files. The database is configured to store entries identifying a printing of parts using the plurality of part definition files. The parts management system is configured to receive a request for a part definition file in the parts library, identify the part definition file in the plurality of part definition files in the parts library, receive an indication of a printing of a part using the part definition file, and store an entry identifying the printing of the part using the part definition file in the database.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

The present disclosure relates generally to the manufacture of parts. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to the three dimensional printing of parts. Yet more particularly, the present disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for authorizing the three dimensional printing of parts.

Modern aircraft contain a plurality of different parts. Aircraft manufacturers have each part design certified under airworthiness standards and other requirements of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). A certification for a part is specific to that part's specifications such as dimensions, shape, and material specifications.

During the lifetime of an aircraft, parts may be replaced. In order to meet demand for replacement parts, aircraft manufacturers may keep an inventory of parts on hand. A client may request parts from the aircraft manufacturer when a replacement part is desired. However, receiving requested parts from the aircraft manufacturer may take an undesirable amount of time for a client. Some clients may keep an inventory of parts on hand to avoid waiting an undesirable amount of time. However, storing an inventory of extra parts either at an aircraft manufacturer or at a client may use an undesirable amount of resources.

Three dimensional printing is a process of making a solid object of virtually any shape from a part definition file. Three dimensional printing is an additive process where successive layers of material are laid down. Three dimensional printing may be performed with a variety of different materials such as polymers, plasters, metals, and metal alloys. Three dimensional printing may allow on-demand manufacture of desired parts.

SUMMARY

In an illustrative embodiment, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus comprises a parts library, a database, and a parts management system. The parts library is configured to store a plurality of part definition files. The database is configured to store entries identifying a printing of parts using the plurality of part definition files. The parts management system is configured to receive a request for a part definition file in the parts library, identify the part definition file in the plurality of part definition files in the parts library, receive an indication of a printing of a part using the part definition file, and store an entry identifying the printing of the part using the part definition file in the database.

In another illustrative embodiment, a method is provided. The method comprises receiving a request for a part definition file in a parts library; identifying the part definition file in a plurality of part definition files in the parts library; receiving an indication of a printing of a part using the part definition file; and storing an entry identifying the printing of the part using the part definition file in a database.

In yet another illustrative embodiment, a system is presented. The system comprises a parts library, a database, a parts management system, and a three dimensional printing system. The parts library is configured to store a plurality of part definition files. The database is configured to store entries identifying a printing of parts using the plurality of part definition files. The parts management system is configured to receive a request for a part definition file in the parts library from the three dimensional printing system. The three dimensional printing system is configured to print parts using the plurality of part definition files.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The different illustrative embodiments recognize and take into account a number of different considerations. For example, the illustrative embodiments recognize and take into account that clients may prefer to three dimensionally print parts when desired rather than hold parts in inventory. Accordingly, the different illustrative embodiments recognize and take into account that a client three dimensionally printing parts may reduce the cost of storing parts. Further, the different illustrative embodiments recognize and take into account that a client three dimensionally printing parts may reduce the time to receive the parts.

The different illustrative embodiments recognize and take into account that an aircraft manufacturer may wish to limit access to intellectual property such as part definition files. Further, the different illustrative embodiments recognize and take into account that an aircraft manufacturer may desire payment upon each three dimensional printing of a part. Yet further, the different illustrative embodiments recognize and take into account that an aircraft manufacturer may wish to verify information from a three dimensional printing system so that printed parts meet certification requirements.

With reference now to the figures, and in particular, with reference toFIG. 1, an illustration of an aircraft is depicted in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. In this illustrative example, aircraft100has wing102and wing104attached to body106. Aircraft100includes engine108attached to wing102and engine110attached to wing104.

Aircraft100is an example of an aircraft in which parts manufactured using three dimensional printing may be implemented in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. In some illustrative examples, portions of the passenger cabin in body106may be formed using a three dimensional printed part. For example, a handle of a luggage bin in the passenger cabin of aircraft100may use a three dimensional printed part.

The illustration of aircraft100inFIG. 1is not meant to imply physical or architectural limitations to the manner in which an illustrative configuration may be implemented. For example, although aircraft100is a commercial aircraft, aircraft100may be a military aircraft, a rotorcraft, helicopter, unmanned aerial vehicle, or any other suitable aircraft.

Although the illustrative examples for an illustrative embodiment are described with respect to an aircraft, an illustrative embodiment may be applied to other types of platforms. The platform may be, for example, a mobile platform, a stationary platform, a land-based structure, an aquatic-based structure, and a space-based structure. More specifically, the platform, may be a surface ship, a tank, a personnel carrier, a train, a spacecraft, a space station, a satellite, a submarine, an automobile, a power plant, a bridge, a dam, a house, a windmill, a manufacturing facility, a building, and other suitable platforms.

With reference now toFIG. 2, an illustration of a block diagram of a parts environment is depicted in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. In this illustrative example, parts environment200inFIG. 2is depicted in a block form to illustrate different components for one or more illustrative embodiments. In this illustrative example, parts environment200includes authorization system202and three dimensional printing system204which are in communication via data connection206. Data connection206may be at least one of a wired connection or a wireless connection.

Authorization system202is configured to authorize printing of parts by three dimensional printing system204. Authorization system202includes parts library208, database210, and parts management system212.

Parts library208stores plurality of part definition files214. As depicted, plurality of part definition files214includes part definition file216and part definition file218. As depicted, two part definition files are depicted in plurality of part definition files214. However, plurality of part definition files214may have any desirable number of part definition files.

Part definition file216is a file which may be used by three dimensional printing system204to create first part217. Part definition file216includes part specifications220, printer specifications222, and material specifications224. Part specifications220include physical specifications for first part217. Part specifications220may include at least one of a three dimensional shape and dimensions.

Printer specifications222include desired properties for a printer to create first part217using part definition file216. In one illustrative example, printer specifications222may include a printer resolution. In another illustrative example, printer specifications222may include a current printer health. Material specifications224include identified materials which may be used to form first part217using part definition file216. Material specifications224may be limited by certification of first part217.

Part definition file218is a file which may be used by three dimensional printing system204to create second part219. Part definition file218includes part specifications226, printer specifications228, and material specifications230. Part specifications226include physical specifications for second part219. Part specifications226may include at least one of a three dimensional shape and dimensions. Printer specifications228include desired properties for a printer to create second part219using part definition file218. In one illustrative example, printer specifications228may include a printer resolution. In another illustrative example, printer specifications228may include a current printer health. Material specifications230include identified materials which may be used to form second part219using part definition file218. Material specifications230may be limited by certification of second part219.

Database210is configured to store entries identifying the printing of parts using plurality of part definition files214. In some illustrative examples, database210may store an entry for each printing of a part. In some illustrative examples, database210may store an entry for each part printed by a customer. In this illustrative example, the entry may contain a field for a number of times the part has been printed by the customer. In some illustrative examples, database210may store an entry for each part printed by a three dimensional printer. In this illustrative example, the entry may contain a field for a number of times the part has been printed by the three dimensional printer.

Parts management system212is configured to facilitate authorization of three dimensional printing of parts. Parts management system212is configured to receive a request for a part definition file, such as part definition file216, in parts library208. Parts management system212may receive the request from three dimensional printing system204via data connection206. Parts management system212is also configured to identify the part definition file, such as part definition file216, in plurality of part definition files214in parts library208. After identifying part definition file216, parts management system212may encrypt and send part definition file216to three dimensional printing system204. Parts management system212may send part definition file216via data connection206after encryption.

Parts management system212is further configured to receive an indication of a printing of a part using the part definition file. In one illustrative example, this indication may be an indication of printing first part217using part definition file216by three dimensional printing system204. Parts management system212is also configured to store an entry identifying a printing of the part using the part definition file in the database. Additionally, parts management system212is configured to request payment in response to an event. In some illustrative examples, the event may be receiving the indication of the printing of the part using the part definition file. In some other illustrative examples, the event may be receiving a message from three dimensional printing system402that a desired number of parts has been printed using the part definition file.

As depicted, three dimensional printing system204has three dimensional printer232, three dimensional printer234, and data processing system236. As depicted, three dimensional printing system contains two three dimensional printers. However, three dimensional printing system204may contain any desirable number of three dimensional printers. Likewise, three dimensional printing system204may contain any desirable number of data processing systems.

Three dimensional printer232has parts library238, number of materials240, and diagnostic information242. In some illustrative examples, parts library238may not initially contain any part definition files. In these illustrative examples, a part definition file may be loaded to parts library238prior to printing a part using three dimensional printer232. In these illustrative examples, the part definition file may be deleted following printing a part using the part definition file.

In some other illustrative examples, parts library238may contain a plurality of part definition files. In these illustrative examples, authorization system202may update parts library238as desired. For example, authorization system202may add a number of part definition files to parts library238. Part definition files may be added to parts library238after the client purchases a new type of aircraft. Part definition files may be added to parts library238after new part definition files are created by the aircraft manufacturer. As another example, authorization system202may update specifications for a number of part definition files of parts library238to keep parts library238up to date. Specifications for a number of part definition files of parts library238may be updated as changes are made to parts by the aircraft manufacturer.

Three dimensional printer232may manufacture parts using number of materials240. Number of materials240may be selected from at least one of metals, metal alloys, polymers, or other desirable materials.

Diagnostic information242may include printer resolution, printer health information, or any other printer information. In some illustrative examples, parts management system212may verify that diagnostic information242conforms to at least one of printer specifications222or material specifications224of part definition file216. In some illustrative examples, parts management system212may verify that diagnostic information242conforms to at least one of printer specifications228or material specifications230of part definition file218.

As depicted, three dimensional printer232receives input250. Input250may be at least one of part number252and part illustration254. In some illustrative examples, three dimensional printer232may identify a part definition file for a part using input250. In some illustrative examples, data processing system236may be in communication with three dimensional printer232and may identify a part definition file for a part using input250. After identifying the part definition file, three dimensional printing system204sends a request for the part definition file to authorization system202.

In some illustrative examples, after sending a request, three dimensional printing system204receives the part definition file, such as part definition file216. In some illustrative examples, after sending a request, three dimensional printing system204receives authorization to print a part using a part definition file on three dimensional printer232or three dimensional printer234. After receiving a part definition file or authorization to print a part, three dimensional printer232may print part256. Part256may be printed using a part definition file from plurality of part definition files214or from parts library238. In some illustrative examples, part256may be an implementation of first part217. In some illustrative examples, part256may be an implementation of second part219.

Three dimensional printer234has parts library244, number of materials246, and diagnostic information248. In some illustrative examples, parts library244may not initially contain any part definition files. In these illustrative examples, a part definition file may be loaded to parts library244prior to printing a part using three dimensional printer234. In these illustrative examples, the part definition file may be deleted following printing a part using the part definition file.

In some other illustrative examples, parts library244may contain a plurality of part definition files. In these illustrative examples, authorization system202may update parts library244as desired. For example, authorization system202may add a number of part definition files to parts library244. Part definition files may be added to parts library244after the client purchases a new type of aircraft. Part definition files may be added to parts library244after new part definition files are created by the aircraft manufacturer. As another example, authorization system202may update specifications for a number of part definition files of parts library244to keep parts library244up to date. Specifications for a number of part definition files of parts library244may be updated as changes are made to parts by the aircraft manufacturer.

Three dimensional printer234may manufacture parts using number of materials246. Number of materials246may be selected from at least one of metals, metal alloys, polymers, or other desirable materials.

Diagnostic information248may include printer resolution, printer health information, or any other printer information. In some illustrative examples, parts management system212may verify that diagnostic information248conforms to at least one of printer specifications222or material specifications224of part definition file216. In some illustrative examples, parts management system212may verify that diagnostic information248conforms to at least one of printer specifications228or material specifications230of part definition file218.

By having authorization system202authorize the three dimensional printing of parts, the owner of part definition files may control who accesses the part definition files. In some illustrative examples, the owner may be an aircraft manufacturer. Further, by having authorization system202authorize the three dimensional printing of parts, the owner of part definition files may track the number of times a specific part is printed. Additionally, by having authorization system202authorize the three dimensional printing of parts, the owner of part definition files may request payment for each printing of a part. By verifying diagnostic information of a three dimensional printing system, the authorization system may verify a three dimensional printing of a part may meet certification standards.

For example, as depicted, two part definition files are depicted in plurality of part definition files214. However, plurality of part definition files214may have any desirable number of part definition files.

Turning now toFIG. 3, an illustration of a database is depicted in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. Database300is an implementation of database210ofFIG. 2.

Database300stores entries302. As depicted, entries302have identifiers304. Identifiers304comprise transaction number306, client number308, printer number310, part number312, part definition file location314, and print time316. Transaction number306is a unique identifier for the respective printing of the part. Client number308is an identifier for the client that printed the part. The client is the owner of the three dimensional printing system which printed the part. Printer number310is an identifier for the three dimensional printer that printed the part. Part number312is an identifier for the particular part that was printed. Part definition file location314identifies whether the part was printed using a part definition file from the authorization system or the three dimensional printing system. Print time316is an identifier of the date and time the indication of the printing was received.

As depicted, entries302comprise one entry for each printing of a part. In some illustrative examples, entries302may comprise one entry for each part. In these illustrative examples, each entry may have an additional identifier for the number of times the part has been printed.

With reference now toFIG. 4, an illustration of a data flow is depicted in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. Data flow400is an example of an implementation of communications between authorization system202and three dimensional printing system204via data connection206inFIG. 2. Three dimensional printing system402is an example of an implementation of three dimensional printing system204ofFIG. 2. Authorization system404is an example of an implementation of authorization system202ofFIG. 2.

In data flow400, each request and information may be a message. In some illustrative examples, a message may be sent within three dimensional printing system402or authorization system404. In some illustrative examples, a message may be sent between three dimensional printing system402and authorization system404. In data flow400, three dimensional printing system402requests a part definition file from authorization system404. In response to receiving the request for the part definition file, authorization system404requests diagnostic information. Three dimensional printing system402then sends diagnostic information to authorization system404.

Authorization system404identifies the part definition file. After identifying the part definition file, authorization system404verifies that the diagnostic information conforms to at least one of printer specifications and material specifications of the part definition file. After verifying that the diagnostic information is desirable, authorization system404encrypts the part definition file. Authorization system404then sends the encrypted part definition file to three dimensional printing system402. Three dimensional printing system402decrypts the encrypted part definition file. Three dimensional printing system402then prints a part using the decrypted part definition file. After printing the part, three dimensional printing system402sends an indication of printing to authorization system404. In response to the indication of printing, authorization system404stores an entry identifying the printing in a database.

Authorization system404may then send a delete command to three dimensional printing system402. In response to the delete command, three dimensional printing system402deletes the part definition file. Authorization system404requests payment for the printing of the part.

Turning now toFIG. 5, another illustration of a data flow is depicted in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. Data flow500is an example of an implementation of communications between authorization system202and three dimensional printing system204via data connection206inFIG. 2. Three dimensional printing system502is an example of an implementation of three dimensional printing system204ofFIG. 2. Authorization system504is an example of an implementation of authorization system202ofFIG. 2.

In data flow500, each request and information may be a message. In some illustrative examples, a message may be sent within three dimensional printing system502or authorization system504. In some illustrative examples, a message may be sent between three dimensional printing system502and authorization system504. In data flow500, three dimensional printing system502requests a part definition file from authorization system504(message m1). In response to receiving the request for the part definition file, authorization system504requests diagnostic information (message m2). Three dimensional printing system502then sends diagnostic information to authorization system504(message m3).

Authorization system504identifies the part definition file (message m4). After identifying the part definition file, authorization system504verifies that the diagnostic information conforms to at least one of printer specifications and material specifications of the part definition file (message m5). After verifying that the diagnostic information is desirable, authorization system504sends authorization to print the part to three dimensional printing system502(message m6).

After receiving authorization to print the part, three dimensional printing system502retrieves the part definition file (message m7). In some illustrative examples, a three dimensional printer of three dimensional printing system502may retrieve the part definition file from a part library on the three dimensional printer. Three dimensional printing system502then prints a part using the part definition file (message m8). Afterwards, three dimensional printing system502sends an indication of printing to authorization system504(message m9).

In response to the indication of printing, authorization system504stores an entry identifying the printing in a database (message m10). Authorization system504requests payment for the printing of the part from three dimensional printing system502(message m11).

With reference now toFIG. 6, an illustration of a flowchart of a process for the three dimensional printing of a part is depicted in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. The process illustrated inFIG. 6may be implemented to print a part using three dimensional printing system204ofFIG. 2.

The process begins by sending a request for a part definition file (operation602). In some illustrative examples, the three dimensional printing system may send the request. The three dimensional printing system may be three dimensional printing system204ofFIG. 2. In some illustrative examples, the part definition file may be selected by a part number to be printed.

The process then receives an encrypted part definition file (operation604). The process next decrypts the encrypted part definition file to form a decrypted part definition file (operation606). The process may then print a part using the decrypted part definition file (operation608). The process terminates thereafter.

Turning now toFIG. 7, another illustration of a flowchart of a process for the three dimensional printing of a part is depicted in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. The process illustrated inFIG. 7may be implemented to print a part using a three dimensional printing system such as three dimensional printing system204ofFIG. 2.

The process begins by sending a request for a part definition file (operation702). The process then receives an authorization to print a part using the part definition file (operation704). Next, the process retrieves the part definition file (operation706). In some illustrative examples, the part definition file may be retrieved from a data processing system of the three dimensional printing system. This data processing system may be data processing system236of three dimensional printing system204ofFIG. 2. In some illustrative examples, the part definition file may be retrieved from a three dimensional printer, such as three dimensional printer232ofFIG. 2. The process then prints the part using the part definition file (operation708). The process terminates thereafter.

With reference now toFIG. 8, an illustration of a flowchart of a process for authorizing the three dimensional printing of a part is depicted in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. The process illustrated inFIG. 8may be implemented to authorize the three dimensional printing of a part. The process illustrated inFIG. 8may be implemented using an authorization system such as authorization system202ofFIG. 2.

The process begins by receiving a request for a part definition file in a parts library (operation802). The request may be received by an authorization system from a three dimensional printing system. The authorization system may be authorization system202ofFIG. 2. The three dimensional printing system may be three dimensional printing system204ofFIG. 2. The process then identifies the part definition file in a plurality of part definition files in the parts library (operation804). The process next receives an indication of a printing of a part using the part definition file (operation806). The process then stores an entry identifying the printing of the part using the part definition file in a database (operation808). The process then requests payment in response to receiving the indication of the printing of the part using the part definition file (operation810). Afterwards the process terminates.

Turning now toFIG. 9, another illustration of a flowchart of a process for authorizing three dimensional printing of a part is depicted in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. The process illustrated inFIG. 9may be implemented to authorize the three dimensional printing of a part. The process illustrated inFIG. 9may be implemented using an authorization system such as authorization system202ofFIG. 2.

The process begins by receiving a request for a part definition file in a parts library (operation902). The process then requests diagnostic information for a three dimensional printing system (operation904). The process then receives the diagnostic information for the three dimensional printing system (operation906). The process then identifies the part definition file in a plurality of part definition files in the parts library (operation908). The process then verifies that the three dimensional printing system has the diagnostic information conforming to at least one of printer specifications and material specifications of the part definition file of the plurality of part definition files in the parts library (operation910). The process next encrypts the part definition file to form an encrypted part definition file (operation912). The process then transmits the encrypted part definition file to the three dimensional printing system (operation914). The process next receives an indication of a printing of a part using the part definition file (operation916). The process then stores an entry identifying the printing of the part using the part definition file in the database (operation918). The process then requests payment in response to receiving the indication of the printing of the part using the part definition file (operation920). The process terminates thereafter.

With reference now toFIG. 10, an illustration of a block diagram of a data processing system is depicted in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. Data processing system1000may be used to implement one or more computers in authorization system202inFIG. 2. Further, data processing system1000may be an implementation of data processing system236ofFIG. 2. As depicted, data processing system1000includes communications framework1002, which provides communications between processor unit1004, storage devices1006, communications unit1008, input/output unit1010, and display1012. In some cases, communications framework1002may be implemented as a bus system.

Processor unit1004is configured to execute instructions for software to perform a number of operations. Processor unit1004may comprise a number of processors, a multi-processor core, and/or some other type of processor, depending on the implementation. In some cases, processor unit1004may take the form of a hardware unit, such as a circuit system, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device, or some other suitable type of hardware unit.

Instructions for the operating system, applications, and/or programs run by processor unit1004may be located in storage devices1006. Storage devices1006may be in communication with processor unit1004through communications framework1002. As used herein, a storage device, also referred to as a computer readable storage device, is any piece of hardware capable of storing information on a temporary and/or permanent basis. This information may include, but is not limited to, data, program code, and/or other information.

Memory1014and persistent storage1016are examples of storage devices1006. Memory1014may take the form of, for example, a random access memory or some type of volatile or non-volatile storage device. Persistent storage1016may comprise any number of components or devices. For example, persistent storage1016may comprise a hard drive, a flash memory, a rewritable optical disk, a rewritable magnetic tape, or some combination of the above. The media used by persistent storage1016may or may not be removable.

Communications unit1008allows data processing system1000to communicate with other data processing systems and/or devices. Communications unit1008may provide communications using physical and/or wireless communications links.

Input/output unit1010allows input to be received from and output to be sent to other devices connected to data processing system1000. For example, input/output unit1010may allow user input to be received through a keyboard, a mouse, and/or some other type of input device. As another example, input/output unit1010may allow output to be sent to a printer connected to data processing system1000.

Display1012is configured to display information to a user. Display1012may comprise, for example, without limitation, a monitor, a touch screen, a laser display, a holographic display, a virtual display device, and/or some other type of display device.

In this illustrative example, the processes of the different illustrative embodiments may be performed by processor unit1004using computer-implemented instructions. These instructions may be referred to as program code, computer usable program code, or computer readable program code and may be read and executed by one or more processors in processor unit1004.

In these examples, program code1018is located in a functional form on computer readable media1020, which is selectively removable, and may be loaded onto or transferred to data processing system1000for execution by processor unit1004. Program code1018and computer readable media1020together form computer program product1022. In this illustrative example, computer readable media1020may be computer readable storage media1024or computer readable signal media1026.

Computer readable storage media1024is a physical or tangible storage device used to store program code1018rather than a medium that propagates or transmits program code1018. Computer readable storage media1024may be, for example, without limitation, an optical or magnetic disk or a persistent storage device that is connected to data processing system1000.

Alternatively, program code1018may be transferred to data processing system1000using computer readable signal media1026. Computer readable signal media1026may be, for example, a propagated data signal containing program code1018. This data signal may be an electromagnetic signal, an optical signal, and/or some other type of signal that can be transmitted over physical and/or wireless communications links.

The illustration of data processing system1000inFIG. 10is not meant to provide architectural limitations to the manner in which the illustrative embodiments may be implemented. The different illustrative embodiments may be implemented in a data processing system that includes components in addition to or in place of those illustrated for data processing system1000. Further, components shown inFIG. 10may be varied from the illustrative examples shown.

Illustrative embodiments of the disclosure may be described in the context of aircraft manufacturing and service method1100as shown inFIG. 11and aircraft1200as shown inFIG. 12. Turning first toFIG. 11, an illustration of a block diagram of an aircraft manufacturing and service method is depicted in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. During pre-production, aircraft manufacturing and service method1100may include specification and design1102of aircraft1200inFIG. 12and material procurement1104.

During production, component and subassembly manufacturing1106and system integration1108of aircraft1200inFIG. 12takes place. Thereafter, aircraft1200inFIG. 12may go through certification and delivery1110in order to be placed in service1112. While in service1112by a customer, aircraft1200inFIG. 12is scheduled for routine maintenance and service1114, which may include modification, reconfiguration, refurbishment, and other maintenance or service.

With reference now toFIG. 12, an illustration of a block diagram of an aircraft is depicted in which an illustrative embodiment may be implemented. In this example, aircraft1200is produced by aircraft manufacturing and service method1100inFIG. 11and may include airframe1202with plurality of systems1204and interior1206. Examples of systems1204include one or more of propulsion system1208, electrical system1210, hydraulic system1212, and environmental system1214. Any number of other systems may be included. Although an aerospace example is shown, different illustrative embodiments may be applied to other industries, such as the automotive industry.

Apparatuses and methods embodied herein may be employed during at least one of the stages of aircraft manufacturing and service method1100inFIG. 11. One or more illustrative embodiments may be used during maintenance and service1114. For example, three dimensional printing system204may also be used to print parts to perform replacements during maintenance and service1114. Parts for aircraft1200may be three dimensionally printed during scheduled maintenance for aircraft1200.

Thus, the illustrative embodiments provide a method and apparatus for authorizing the three dimensional printing of parts. By having authorization system202authorize the three dimensional printing of parts, the owner of part definition files may control who accesses the part definition files. In some illustrative examples, the owner may be an aircraft manufacturer. Further, by having authorization system202authorize the three dimensional printing of parts, the owner of part definition files may track the number of times a specific part is printed. Additionally, by having authorization system202authorize the three dimensional printing of parts, the owner of part definition files may request payment for each printing of a part. By verifying diagnostic information of a three dimensional printing system, the authorization system may verify that a three dimensional printing of a part may meet certification standards.

By providing a mechanism for authorizing the three dimensional printing of parts, a client may three dimensionally print replacement parts instead of ordering replacement parts from a manufacturer. By three dimensionally printing parts, a client may reduce the time prior to installation of a replacement part. By three dimensionally printing parts, a client may reduce the resources allocated to storage of replacement parts.