Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Aerospace
  • /
  • Airframe Designs expands 3D printing services

Aerospace Defence

Airframe Designs expands 3D printing services

Blackpool based Airframe Designs is investing in the very latest technology as it expands its services in 3D printing.

Image courtesy Airframe Designs

The company is meeting the challenge of the aviation industry with its commitment to innovation and technology to reduce waste, make lighter parts for aircraft and contribute to its customers’ efforts towards Net Zero.

To date, the organisation has invested in a second 3D printing machine, a state-of-the-art Stratasys Fortus 450, a new five-axis milling machine and new sophisticated resin printing technology to offer increased capability and quality of parts and tools for its increasing customer base.

Advertisement
ODU RT

Garry Sellick, additive manufacturing manager at Airframe Designs, said: “Ultimately, we are helping our customers across the aerospace and defence supply chains to achieve many of their goals. This technology enables us to produce lightweight, highly accurate and robust airframe parts and tooling which are delivered at pace, whilst also helping to reduce carbon emissions.

“This technology gives us increased capability and capacity to produce multi-component parts quicker and more efficiently than ever before.”

The services offered by UK-based Airframe Designs in Blackpool meet the demand by the aviation industry for lightweight interior cabin parts, as well as aircraft tooling, with the need to move towards Net Zero by 2050. The technology can also be adapted for other industries including space, nuclear, automotive and rail.

Advertisement
ODU RT

The company has recently been re-certified to AS9100D/BS EN ISO 9001:2015 for aerospace quality standards and achieved certification in ISO 14001 for effective environmental management systems. It also holds ISO 27001 certification for information security management and has attained Cyber Essentials Plus.

Airframe Designs is also generating a contribution to the energy it uses using its own solar energy and battery storage system at its headquarters, whilst also committing to the SME Climate Hub, an initiative that supports small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in their efforts to join the global race to Net Zero carbon emissions.

Recent projects undertaken by Airframe Designs include the integration of new systems into heavy lift drone platforms, conceptual design at a platform level for new uncrewed air-systems, test rig and tooling for electric vehicle propulsion systems and most recently the design and analysis of operator consoles for a special mission aircraft.

Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner
Muirhead Avionics appointed ARC for selected IA products

Aerospace

Muirhead Avionics appointed ARC for selected IA products

19 May 2026

AMETEK MRO's Muirhead Avionics, announced today that it has entered into a long term agreement with Innovative Aerosystems (IA) to become an Authorised Repair Centre (ARC) for selected legacy avionics products formerly developed under Honeywell product lines and now fully supported by IA.

Intelligent Energy joins UK alliance to accelerate hydrogen flight

Aerospace

Intelligent Energy joins UK alliance to accelerate hydrogen flight

19 May 2026

Intelligent Energy (IE) has joined the Hydrogen in Aviation Alliance, alongside leading UK aerospace and UK hydrogen fuel cell manufacturer, Intelligent Energy (IE), has joined the Hydrogen in Aviation Alliance (HIA),which brings together companies from across aerospace, including Airbus, Bristol Airport, easyJet, GKN Aerospace and ...

Hexagon releases NCSIMUL upgrade

Aerospace Defence

Hexagon releases NCSIMUL upgrade

19 May 2026

Hexagon’s Production Software Division has announced the latest release of NCSIMUL, strengthening its integrated approach to NC programme verification, simulation and optimisation with a new Selective Simulation capability.

ATI launches tech strategy to double value of UK aerospace

Aerospace

ATI launches tech strategy to double value of UK aerospace

19 May 2026

The Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) has today launched the latest UK technology strategy targeting a generational prize of doubling the UK aerospace sector's market value to $18 billion (£13.44bn) by 2035 and increasing by over four times, to $41 billion (£30.6bn), by 2050.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Aviation operational gains offset by industry growth

Aerospace

Aviation operational gains offset by industry growth

18 May 2026

Analysis from aviation intelligence company IBA, has found that global aviation carbon intensity improved from 860 gCO₂ per revenue tonne-kilometre (RTK) in 2018 to 690 gCO₂/RTK by September 2025 - an efficiency improvement of 20% - but that flight activity growth is offsetting those operational gains.

Egis appoints Shakir Khaja to drive UK and Ireland airport growth

Aerospace

Egis appoints Shakir Khaja to drive UK and Ireland airport growth

18 May 2026

Architecture, engineering and consulting firm Egis has appointed Shakir Khaja as Aviation Sector Director for Europe and Africa, to oversee the firm’s expansion across the airport sector, with a strategic focus on the UK, Ireland and wider European market.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
General Atomics LB