Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Defence
  • /
  • 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
Hexagon leaderboard
RIAT 2026 cancelled

Aerospace Defence Security Events

RIAT 2026 cancelled

22 May 2026

This year’s Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) will now not be taking place, cancelled due to issues regarding access to the event - at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire - amid concerns over conflict in the Middle East.

ADS appoints Andy Williams Director of ADS Scotland

Aerospace Defence Security Space

ADS appoints Andy Williams Director of ADS Scotland

22 May 2026

ADS, the trade association for the aerospace, defence, security and space industries, has announced the appointment of Andy Williams as Scotland Director.

King’s College London and Cranfield University propose merger

Aerospace Defence Security Space

King’s College London and Cranfield University propose merger

22 May 2026

King’s College London and Cranfield University have announced that the two universities have signed an agreement as the first step towards a merger, with the aim of bringing the two institutions together from August 2027, which will support UK national capability and resilience.

QinetiQ expands testing capacity at MoD Portland Bill

Defence

QinetiQ expands testing capacity at MoD Portland Bill

22 May 2026

QinetiQ has increased the capacity of its vessel testing facility with the addition of a new water tank that will enable larger uncrewed mine hunting vessels’ magnetic fields to be measured and lowered to counter underwater threats.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Hexagon boosts large-volume inspection productivity

Defence

Hexagon boosts large-volume inspection productivity

22 May 2026

Hexagon’s Portable Metrology Division has introduced a new wireless probe that adds contact measurement to its high-speed HYPERSCAN large-volume laser scanning system, improving productivity during alignment, inspection and reporting.

BAE Systems Bofors completes Aston Harald acquisition

Defence

BAE Systems Bofors completes Aston Harald acquisition

21 May 2026

BAE Systems Bofors, which signed a purchase agreement to acquire Swedish supplier of precision mechanics and advanced component machining for aerospace and defence products, Aston Harald Mekaniska Verkstad AB in February 2026, has now completed the acquisition.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner