Aerospace 3D Printing

Reduce aerospace project and supply chain risk with reliable delivery, consistent quality, and a responsive team of experts

Certification + Compliance
ISO 9001:2015 | ISO 13485:2016 | AS9100D | ITAR


Innovative Companies We Support

3D Printing for the Aerospace Industry

Speed, reliability, and quality compliance are key expectations of aerospace components. Our 3D printing services support demanding high requirement production scenarios by offering consistent and reliably fast lead times, expert design and manufacturability support, and an online platform for simple quoting and order placement.

3D printing enables aerospace engineers and product development teams to accelerate innovation across every stage of production. From early prototypes and testing components to end-use parts, additive manufacturing makes it possible to create lightweight, high-performance designs that meet the stringent standards of the aerospace and defense industries


How We Support Customers in the Aerospace Industry


  • Reliable on-time delivery of durable, precise, production-grade components in days
  • Technical drawing submission to achieve tight tolerances and other part requirements
  • Application and technical expertise at every stage of development production
  • Over 60 different materials (plastics, metals, and elastomerics)
  • Quality certifications: ISO 9001:2015, AS9100, ITAR registered
  • Ability to order complete parts with diverse finishes and comprehensive quality documentation
  • Consistent single-source supplier
  • Audit ready factories 
  • Post-processing enhancements such as hot isostatic pressing (HIP) and CNC machining for metals, or vapor smoothing and coatings for plastics
  • Quality documentation: First Article Inspection (FAIR) on AS9102 compliant report

 


Benefits of 3D Printing for Aerospace Components

Additive manufacturing has become a cornerstone of modern aerospace engineering. From satellites and rockets to drones and cabin systems, 3D printing lets product teams design and manufacture parts that are lighter, stronger, and more efficient.

Lightweighting and Fuel Efficiency 

Parts are optimized to use only the material needed, reducing mass while maintaining strength.

 

Design Freedom 

Complex geometries and internal channels that can’t be machined are possible with additive manufacturing.

 

Reduced Assemblies and Paperwork 

Fewer fasteners and part consolidations simplify traceability requirements, saving on costs and compliance burdens.

 

Faster Development Cycles

Quickly move from prototyping to production with industrial 3D printing capabilities.

 


3D Printing Processes for Aerospace Components

 

Advanced Photopolymers (HPS) expand_less expand_more
Delivers exceptionally smooth surface finishes and fine details for cosmetic components and validation models. Hybrid PhotoSynthesis (HPS) technology combines the speed and accuracy of SLA and DLP for production-grade photopolymer parts.
Metal 3D Printing (DMLS) expand_less expand_more
Builds fully functional end-use metal components in as little as 7 days. Well-suited for high-value parts like manifolds, exhaust systems, turbo impellers, and rocket engine components. Ideal for consolidating multi-part assemblies into single components for simpler validation.
Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) expand_less expand_more
Produces nylon parts with consistent isotropic mechanical properties and fine feature detail. Commonly used for drone components and lightweight interior cabin parts.
Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) expand_less expand_more
Creates strong nylon-based parts without support structures, making it ideal for ducting, housings, jigs, and fixtures. Durable and flexible, SLS is a versatile solution for both prototypes and end-use parts.
Stereolithography (SLA) expand_less expand_more
Produces cosmetic prototypes and aerodynamic models with extremely high resolution and excellent surface finish. It’s commonly used for concept models, fit testing, and aerodynamic validation.

3D Printing Materials for Aerospace Applications

Aerospace-relevant materials are selected to balance strength, weight, and performance:

Aluminum

High strength-to-weight ratio for housings, brackets, and thermal management components

 

Cobalt Chrome

Suited for engine exhaust and other extreme heat applications

 

Inconel

A nickel-chromium superalloy with excellent high-temperature resistance, often used in rocket engines and exhaust systems 

 

PA12 (via MJF)

A versatile thermoplastic for ducting, drone parts, and lightweight cabin applications

 

Silicone (fluorosilicone, optical)

High strength-to-weight ratio for housings, brackets, and thermal management components

 

Stainless Steel (17-4PH)

High strength and good corrosion resistance up to 600°F

 

Titanium

Lightweight and corrosion-resistant, ideal for satellite brackets and structural parts

 

3D Printing for Aerospace Applications

Additive manufacturing supports a wide range of aerospace applications, enabling designs that maximize functionality while reducing assembly and weight.

  • Conformal Cooling Channels: embedded passages enable high-efficiency thermal management in compact geometries 
  • Ducting Systems: Complex internal cavities allow for efficient airflow while eliminating assembly steps
  • Engine Exhaust Systems: Inconel and cobalt chrome handle extreme heat, while additive manufacturing enables optimized geometries
  • Fuel Nozzles: Complex nozzle arrays improve efficiency and optimize fuel delivery
  • Heat Exchangers: Intricate lattice and TPMS structures maximize cooling performance and reduce welded assemblies 
  • Liquid and Gas Flow Components: Internal channels most easily built with additive processes guide fluids and gases through consolidated, high-function designs
  • Manifolds: Lightweight designs with consolidated assemblies improve performance and reduce validation costs
  • Turbo Impellers/Turbo Pumps: 3D printing enables unmachined geometries and is more cost-competitive than casting at low to medium volumes

Performance 3D Printing for Aerospace

Additive manufacturing enables aerospace teams to move from concept to flight-ready parts with greater speed and precision. By combining advanced technologies with rigorous quality standards, 3D printing supports the production of reliable, high-performance components on demanding timelines.