3D-printing solutions for the aerospace industry
Stratasys 3D printing in aerospace
In the aerospace industry, the stakes are high. Manufacturers tasked with designing and building the type of high-precision, safety-critical parts required in such a highly regulated sector have no margin for error.
Engineers have come to rely on Stratasys 3D-printing technology to get their ideas moving more quickly. When a business can produce bespoke models in-house and on-demand, testing is much faster and production efficiency is maximised, reducing product-to-market time and saving money.
Why use 3D printing for aerospace?
Designed for industrial application
Increase throughput
Replace high-value, low-volume CNC-milled parts to dramatically speed up production and reduce costs. Avoid high machining costs for custom tools or parts needed for maintenance by creating jigs and fixtures quickly and affordably
Design, refine and iterate freely
Identify design issues more quickly by producing realistic prototypes for functional testing, before committing to expensive and time-consuming production
Produce better in less time
Produce fixtures and lightweight, flight-worthy parts (eg housings and ductwork) in a fraction of the time it takes using traditional manufacturing methods
High performance
It’s now possible to create lightweight, flight-ready aircraft parts in high-performance thermoplastics that offer the necessary temperature, chemical, UV and environmental resistance.
Aerospace has traditionally been one of the most challenging markets for 3D printing, as components must be both strong and lightweight. Stratasys 3D printing is designed to reflect the challenges faced in aerospace, creating 3D printed parts and workholdings that stand up to rigorous testing and high-stress environments.
Create:
- High-value aerospace applications
- Lightweight cabin components
- Brackets, harnesses, and sensor mounts
- Precision inspection tooling
- Workholdings
- Functional prototypes
Quality materials to withstand the extreme
Aircraft interiors, parts and accessories must withstand unpredictable wear and tear under extreme conditions, from extreme temperatures to intense vibrations and high pressures. To tackle this challenge, Stratasys has developed lightweight materials able to create parts that meet the demanding requirements of this sector.
For example, common 3D printed aerospace components created using Stratasys 3D printing are made from a blend of high-performance thermoplastics combined with carbon fibre reinforcement to reduce weight without compromising on strength. Designed for superior impact and fatigue resistance thanks to its durable nylon construction, carbon fibre is regularly used for aerospace applications.
Manufacturing efficiency and repeatability
FDM 3D printing technology offers significant manufacturing efficiency benefits for business and subcontractors operating in aviation and needing to realise prototypes and production parts quickly and economically at scale.
For over 30 years, Stratasys has been dedicated to enabling customers across industries to realise their ideas and capture new markets through innovative solutions for rapid prototyping and low-volume manufacturing. Stratasys have the technology and expertise to meet the exacting needs of OEMs in the aerospace industry and beyond.
For example, common 3D printed aerospace components created using Stratasys 3D printing are made from a blend of high-performance thermoplastics combined with carbon fibre reinforcement to reduce weight without compromising on strength. Designed for superior impact and fatigue resistance thanks to its durable nylon construction, carbon fibre is regularly used for aerospace applications.
What are the applications of additive manufacturing in aerospace?
Aerospace applications using additive manufacturing include the production of parts for aircraft, missiles, and satellites. These parts can be made from a range of materials and in different configurations. Additive manufacturing can also be used to create tooling for the manufacturing process.
What are the benefits of using additive manufacturing in aerospace?
The benefits of using additive manufacturing in aerospace include the following: cost reduction, faster turnaround times, and the ability to print parts on demand. AM also allows for the creation of complex geometries that would be difficult or impossible to manufacture using traditional manufacturing methods. It also allows for the use of new materials that would not be possible to make using conventional manufacturing techniques.
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