Impact of 3D printing in Aerospace and defense

It was estimated that 3D printing in the aerospace and defense market will register a CAGR of over 20% in the course of the forecast period (2019-2024). The airline industry acts as a catalyst for the evolution of 3D printing technology. Airlines are dependent on the technology to limit warehouse space, alleviate supply chain constraints, and reduce wastage from conventional manufacturing process. Lately ULTEM materials are getting popular in aerospace industry due to their heat resistant properties. Companies are manufacturing the inner shell for the freezer units to contain all the necessary mounting structures. 3D printing has made the entire process of design and implementation of components less expensive, faster, and simpler.

Incorporation of every component into a single structure eliminates the need to use adhesive, fasteners, and external joints. Elimination of these components reduces the additional costs significantly. The aforementioned factors show that airlines are procuring next-gen aircraft, which will also simultaneously trigger the growth of the additive manufacturing sector. Reports from 2018 show that the aircraft segment holds a major share in 3D printing for defense and aerospace market.

The North America region is expected to massively grow during the forecast period due to the approval of European Safety Agency, as well as Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to use more 3D printed components for commercial jet engines. The 3D printing in this industry is disintegrated, with the presence of several players in the market. 3D Systems Corporation and Stratasys Ltd are some of the notable players in the market.