3D printer and aerospace

Engineers employed in the aerospatial, aeronautic and defence sectors use 3D printing for prototyping, tooling and manufacturing finished products.

##3D printing within the aerospace sector

Jigs, control gauges and finished products for flying purposes can be created using 3D aerospace printing.

3D aircraft printers make it possible to create objects resistant to heat, chemical substances, ultra violet rays and humidity. Major industrial corporations such as Boeing, GE and several others have already made use of 3D aircraft printers to improve productivity and lower costs.

It is possible to lower costs significantly for smaller sized productions or more complex objects. 3D aerospace printing also makes it possible to create denser objects using metal or plastic with improved levels of electrical isolation High quality production thermoplastics are perfect for manufacturing aviation components due to their lightness and resistance to heat (flame retardant properties).

source: ESA_events via Flickr

##3D printing in the defence sector

For personalized equipment, 3D printing provides governments and military establishments with the freedom to design products in low quantities, create tooling equipment at reduced costs and produce detailed and complex prototypes.

3D printing can also be used to produce realistic, high quality prototypes at low costs compared to other methods of production.

3D printed prototypes make it possible for designers to create detect potential design defects before undertaking tooling production thus reducing the introduction of new products on to the market.

Design and manufacturing engineers make use of prototypes as communication tools to improve the product during the development cycle until the production stage.