The aerospace industry is evolving rapidly to match the high demands of new airplanes. Large format additive manufacturing (LFAM) is implemented to produce cost-effective and faster, to shorten lead times for tools and to increase overall production speed. LFAM enables the automation production of aerospace tools  within days.

At CEAD, we understand the challenges faced by aerospace manufacturing companies and offer tailored LFAM solutions that address their unique needs. Our innovative machines reduce production costs and lead times, streamline processes, and offer unprecedented production flexibility.

By adopting CEAD’s additive manufacturing technology, aerospace companies can move away from traditional methods and benefit from faster production cycles, reduced manual labor, and more efficient use of space.

CEAD’s modular and hybrid manufacturing systems are designed to meet the exact specifications of aerospace clients, providing a combination of large-scale 3D printing and CNC milling in a single, integrated platform.

In the aerospace sector, additive manufacturing has already proven its value in producing trimming and transportation fixtures, tooling and patterns. CEAD’s LFAM technology is used to produce high quality:

The very characteristics of producing with LFAM provide valuable advantages for these applications in the aerospace industry. One of the main advantages is the decrease of manufacturing time, which can be up to 80%

Implementing LFAM not only has the potential to save production time, but also cuts down on material waste and manual labor. Traditional methods, like creating composite molds from master models, require multiple steps, each handled by different specialists. Additive manufacturing simplifies this process drastically. A task that previously took multiple operators can now be done with just a few key steps.

Additionally, our solutions help aerospace companies reduce storage needs, as they can produce molds on demand and recycle them into pellets for future use. This not only enhances efficiency but also offers sustainable manufacturing options.

What makes CEAD stand out in the aerospace additive manufacturing market is the modularity of the Flexbot additive manufacturing system. Depending on your application, the Flexbot can be customized for specific applications, with a print width of up to 4 meters. The modular print bed eliminates any limitations in the length of the print. Enabling the build of 36 meter long additive manufacturing systems.

Additionally, our manufacturing solutions combine large-scale printing and CNC milling, resulting in hybrid manufacturing. This provides a complete production solution for aerospace manufacturers.

Our systems are also designed with advanced features like data logging and scan-to-mill technology, which allows for precise tracking and predictive maintenance of machines.

CEAD’s open platform allows manufacturers to handle thermoplastic materials independently of any specific material supplier. We have successfully tested over 300 materials on our system, such PET-G for patterns, ABS, PC with glass/carbon fiber, and PE. We partner with industry leaders to help you choose the best materials.

If you’re considering large format additive manufacturing for your aerospace production processes, CEAD can provide a customized solution that fits your needs.

Our application team helps clients transition smoothly to additive manufacturing, providing expert advice and support throughout the process. Our machines validated over 300 thermoplastic LFAM materials. The knowledge of materials and related behaviors is essential for aerospace additive manufacturing.

Contact us today to discuss your business case and learn how our LFAM technology can revolutionize your manufacturing operations.