Flying High Together: SSA partner Rapid Manufacturing and startup member Wingtra

The partnership between Rapid Manufacturing and our member Wingtra is a collaboration that has merged precision engineering and innovative aerial solutions. As the two entities converged during Wingtra’s formative stages, proximity proved to be an initial advantage, but it was the alignment of vision and capabilities that truly solidified the bond.

In this interview, Alain Stebler, Managing Director of Rapid Manufacturing, shares how it all started.

Can you tell us about how Rapid Manufacturing and Wingtra initially came together to form this collaboration?

When Wingtra was still in project phase, they first came across the manufacturing opportunities at Rapid Manufacturing in Rümlang and it seemed very convenient for them as we are located very close to each other. Later, after being officially founded, the company started to source parts and they first purchased through an international service provider which seemed the right choice for them. However, the purchasing department and us got together at some stage and we mutually agreed that we can provide Wingtra the same services as the international service provider and that’s how we started up to be in this long term partnership.

Wingtra’s products require lightweight components and the ability to adapt to changing conditions. How does Rapid Manufacturing’s additive manufacturing capabilities align with the unique needs of Wingtra’s aircraft production?

The requirement of the products are a perfect match to additive manufacturing. However, in order to align with the unique needs of Wingtra, an intense and open communication is needed to find out how we can produce the parts in the best way possible.

Additive manufacturing is known for its flexibility and rapid production. How does Rapid Manufacturing ensure the “just in time” delivery of top-quality parts to meet Wingtra’s production demands in Zurich?

Through Wingtra’s replenishment planning system overseen by their purchasing team, we together figured out the right size of the delivery batches which suits the needs of Wingtra and ensures efficient and economical production at the same time.

As a startup, Wingtra likely faces resource and time constraints. How does Rapid Manufacturing contribute to Wingtra’s success by providing the necessary certified parts, thus enabling them to focus on their core business of developing innovative aerial solutions?

Once again communication is the main skill which is needed in order to enable Wingtra to focus on their core business. Wingtra’s purchasing has stated that they have various diverse challenges to face, and working with Rapid Manufacturing always helps in tackling and overcoming these challenges.

Maintaining continuous quality and meeting aviation regulations are crucial for companies like Wingtra. How does Rapid Manufacturing ensure the parts it supplies meet the strict standards set by the Swiss federal office for civil aviation, providing Wingtra with the confidence to integrate them into their products?

Rapid Manufacturing is and was always dedicated to high quality standards. Wingtra takes care of the certification for the civil aviation, but Rapid Manufacturing has to take care of the continuity parts matching to mechanical, precision and thermic specifications.