Challenges Remain as '3D Printing' Develops
The aerospace industry still faces challenges fully exploiting the potential of additive manufacturing.
Final, flight-approved, 3D printed ducting for air conditioners. 3D printed in ULTEM™ 9085 resin on the Fortus 450mc.
Final, flight-approved, 3D printed ducting for air conditioners. 3D printed in ULTEM™ 9085 resin on the Fortus 450mc.

Additive manufacturing (AM) has significant potential for aerospace, according to industry figures, though challenges remain in certification, the supply of materials, and other areas.

AM—also known as 3D printing—allows manufacturers to produce complex geometries using lightweight materials. These shapes often cannot be made using conventional methods, while the parts can be "printed" from a computer file, even on remote sites.

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