Diehl Aviation (Überlingen, Germany) and 9T Labs (Zurich, Switzerland) have released the Eco Bracket, a lightweight component made from a combination of 3D printed carbon fiber elements and recycled thermoplastic composites derived from manufacturing waste.

In the aviation industry, aluminum brackets are used to mount cabin components and systems to the aircraft structure. Traditionally, expensive metal components are used in high-use areas, such as the overhead bins above the seats.

The Eco Bracket, however, in addition to being composite, is reported to provide optimal load distribution and combines high mechanical performance with cost efficiency. At the same time, the Eco Bracket focuses on environmental sustainability and reduces the CO2 footprint of the component.

The bracket’s benefits include:

• 50% weight reduction: The use of lightweight materials and design optimization has halved the weight compared to conventional aluminum brackets.
• 50% cost savings: Manufacturing costs can also be halved with the same mechanical performance compared to the aluminum solution.
• Environmentally friendly: By reusing production waste and recycling used components at the end of their life, the Eco Bracket makes a contribution to reducing production waste and promoting sustainable production methods.

9T Labs and Diehl Aviation are present the Eco Bracket for the first time at the Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg, Germany.