3D Printing in Aerospace: Prototypes, Tooling, and Ground Support Equipment

Protype CD400HT / CD400 + FILOPEEKPEI 9085PA12 CFABS PC
3D Printing in Aerospace: Prototypes, Tooling, and Ground Support Equipment

Non-flight work: layout prototypes, ground support equipment, assembly tooling, and R&D specimens.

Protype does not claim aerospace certification (AS9100 or similar) for its printers. Whether a part is fit for use is decided by the customer's own engineering review.

Typical jobs

01

Ground support tooling

A holding fixture for a specific assembly, in PA12 CF. Near hot surfaces the part is printed in PEEK on the CD400HT.

02

Duct prototype

A full-size PEI 9085 mock-up checks routing, joints, and clearances to nearby structures before the production part is made.

03

Assembly jigs and drill templates

Panel locating jigs and drill templates in ABS PC or PA12 CF. When the design changes, the new jig is printed from the updated model.

04

R&D specimens

PEEK, PEI 9085, and PA12 CF specimens for mechanical, thermal, and chemical testing.

When not to print

  • Flight parts: part and process certification is the manufacturer's job, and the printers carry none.
  • Parts with flammability or smoke requirements: REC PEI 9085 is an analogue of ULTEM 9085, and the original's certifications do not carry over to it.
  • Load-bearing parts designed for metal.

Materials

PEEKPEEK CFPEI 9085PA12 CFABS PCPC

Print and drying settings are in the materials catalogue. PEEK and PEI are dried in the FILO cabinet before printing.

Equipment

PEEK and PEI 9085 run on the CD400HT, with PEI printed at a 145 °C chamber. Tooling in PA12 CF and ABS PC runs on the CD400.

FAQ

Have a part to check?

Send a drawing and we will suggest a printer and material.

Application areas

What parts different industries print

Industries Protype printers are suited for

01

Mechanical engineering

Mechanical engineering

Applications

Jigs, gearboxes, brackets.

What it gives

Tooling is printed in the shop, without ordering from a subcontractor.

02

Architecture

Architecture

Applications

Building models, facades, landscapes.

What it gives

Clients see a physical model before ground is broken — approvals happen faster.

03

Railway

Railway

Applications

Fasteners, sensor housings, cable channels.

What it gives

The spare part prints on site instead of waiting for the warehouse.

04

Medical

Medical

Applications

Anatomical models, medical device housing prototypes.

What it gives

Models from CT and MRI data, with no molds.

05

Education & R&D

Education & R&D

Applications

Fixtures, gears, trays.

What it gives

A new prototype variant — the same day.

06

Petrochemicals

Petrochemicals

Applications

Mechanisms, housings, training models.

What it gives

Material and shape are checked before ordering production tooling.

07

Shipbuilding

Shipbuilding

Applications

Supports, gaskets, small hardware.

What it gives

Parts print at the shipyard instead of waiting for a supplier.

08

Instrumentation

Instrumentation

Applications

Enclosures, covers, PCB holders.

What it gives

The board changed — reprint the enclosure, no mold rework.

Don't see your industry?

Send a drawing or describe the part — we'll tell you whether 3D printing suits it.

We'll calculate the savingsfrom 3D printingfor your production

We'll evaluate your parts, compare with your current method, and show where 3D printing is more cost-effective.

  • Cost comparison: current method vs 3D printing
  • Which parts and tooling are worth switching
  • Material and equipment recommendations

Or reach out directly

WhatsApp / Telegram is the fastest.

Drawing, 3D model or photo (optional)

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