3D Printing in the Aerospace Industry

• Costs – typically, as aircraft parts were historically produced in short runs, costs for this have been originally highly priced. That’s where 3D manufacturing helps to alleviate extra costs and streamline efficiencies of projects.
• Proficient with both large-scale and small-scale production – 3D printing allows manufacturers to produce short runs of both large scale and more intricate aircraft parts.
• Reducing aircraft weight – one of the biggest benefits is helping to reduce air-drag, fuel consumption and, in turn, damage against the environment. Traditionally manufactured parts are typically much more heavyweight and less durable – however, 3D manufactured parts allow for a more lightweight and durable product, which lends itself to a lighter aircraft.
• Tool-less manufacturing – modified parts and upgrades can be produced on demand, avoiding the need to stock numerous components as you would experience with traditional manufacturing and batch production.
• Design to production – 3D printing plays a significant role in the whole process – from conceptualization to production. From influencing conceptual modelling to large-scale models highlighting innovative new parts, there’s no doubt that 3D manufacturing has revolutionized aircraft production.
• Customization – additionally, additive manufacturing increases the ability to create bespoke parts and customization, for both functional and interior parts of the aircrafts.

With 3D printing revolutionizing the way aircrafts have been built and designed for more than four decades, it is difficult to imagine the aerospace and defense industry ever diverging from the AM industry.