AeroDef Manufacturing

In this episode of AeroDef Next Gen, we're exploring how rapid manufacturing supported a record-setting drone flight in California.

According to the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA), Titan Dynamics Inc designed and 3D fabricated a fixed-wing drone in a single day. The aircraft used brushless motors manufactured by the US Army at Tobyhanna Army Depot in Pennsylvania.

At the “Game of Drones” event at Edwards Air Force Base, the drone flew for eight hours, 41 minutes and 43 seconds, setting an endurance record for its class.

The flight demonstrates how digital design, rapid fabrication and domestic component production can support the development and testing of uncrewed defense aircraft.

Read more: https://www.dvidshub.net/news/575343/game-of-drones-launches-record-breaking-flight/

In 2027, AeroDef Manufacturing colocates alongside RAPID + TCT and Manufacturing Technology Series West! For more information: https://bit.ly/AD27InquiryRequest

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RAPID + TCT Event U.S. Army

In this episode of AeroDef Next Gen, we're exploring how metal additive manufacturing is supporting aircraft sustainment across the U.S. military fleet.

According to NAVAIR, Fleet Readiness Center East (FRCE) has delivered its first flight-certified metal 3D-printed aircraft parts to the fleet following the qualification and certification of its metal additive manufacturing processes.

Using aluminum powder and laser-based additive manufacturing, FRCE produced three flight-worthy components: a weapons pylon fitting for the AH-1Z Viper, a main landing gear repair fitting for the V-22 Osprey, and a blanking plate for the C-130 Hercules.

The capability gives maintenance teams another option for producing worn, damaged, or difficult-to-source components in-house and on demand, helping reduce maintenance lead times and aircraft downtime. FRCE is also preparing to expand its capabilities into stainless steel, allowing the facility to support a wider range of aircraft parts and support equipment.

The milestone demonstrates how metal additive manufacturing can strengthen aircraft sustainment by providing localized production capabilities that support fleet readiness.

Read more: https://www.navair.navy.mil/news/FRCE-delivers-first-metal-3D-printed-parts-fleet/Mon-04272026-1503

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In 2027, AeroDef Manufacturing colocates alongside RAPID + TCT and MT Series West! Tech Met shared what made its participation in 2026 so valuable:

“An outstanding opportunity to connect with a diverse range of companies across the aerospace, medical, and defense industries while strengthening relationships with our existing customers. The conference’s strong attendance and high-quality networking helped us uncover new business opportunities, expand our reach within large, multi-site organizations, and open the door to even greater collaboration.”

At AeroDef Manufacturing 2027, attendees can learn how designing with post-processing in mind can help prevent trapped powder, inaccessible internal channels, difficult-to-remove support structures, and costly redesigns. Visitors can also examine real components before and after post-processing to see how expert finishing can influence part quality and performance.

We look forward to welcoming the Tech Met team back to AeroDef Manufacturing 2027 in Detroit.

Book Exhibit Space Today: https://bit.ly/AD27InquiryRequest

RAPID + TCT Event Manufacturing Technology Series Tech Met Inc.

In 2027, AeroDef Manufacturing colocates alongside RAPID + TCT and MT Series West! Mikron Tool shared what made its participation in 2026 so valuable:

“A valuable opportunity to connect with manufacturers, engineers, and innovators looking to accelerate product development and optimize production processes. The strong interest in our cutting solutions, prototyping services, and precision machining capabilities led to many meaningful discussions and new business opportunities.”

At RAPID + TCT 2027, attendees can discover how Mikron Tool’s cutting technologies and rapid prototyping services help transform ideas into functional products with greater speed, precision, and efficiency.

Mikron will also showcase solutions developed with NS TOOL, its long-term partner and a global leader in high-precision cutting tools. Together, their advanced tooling and manufacturing expertise support demanding applications from prototype development through production.

Whether attendees are looking to accelerate product development, improve machining performance, or find the right manufacturing partner, the Mikron team will be ready to discuss their challenges and opportunities.

We look forward to welcoming Mikron Corp Monroe back to AeroDef Manufacturing 2027 in Detroit.

Book Exhibit Space Today: https://bit.ly/AD27InquiryRequest

RAPID + TCT Event Manufacturing Technology Series

In this episode of AeroDef Next Gen, we're exploring how the U.S. Navy is expanding the use of metal additive manufacturing across submarine construction and maintenance.

According to the U.S. Navy, new technical requirements establish a streamlined pathway for replacing traditionally cast and wrought components with 3D-printed metallic parts. The framework reduces repetitive engineering assessments, drawing modifications, and first-article testing, helping make additive manufacturing more accessible for addressing long lead times, part obsolescence, and supply chain constraints.

Metal 3D-printed components are already operating aboard the USS Washington and USS Nevada, demonstrating how additive manufacturing can support real-world naval applications.
By creating a more efficient pathway for qualifying and implementing 3D-printed parts, the Navy is opening additional opportunities to integrate additive manufacturing across submarine design, construction, overhaul, and repair.

Read more: https://www.navy.mil/Press-Office/Press-Releases/display-pressreleases/Article/4580193/navy-removes-bureaucratic-barriers-to-accelerate-3d-printing-and-accelerate-sub/

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U.S. Navy

In 2027, AeroDef Manufacturing colocates alongside RAPID + TCT and MT Series West! Mass Finishing, Inc. shared what attendees can expect from its return:

“We're excited to return to RAPID + TCT 2027 and showcase how Mass Finishing helps additive manufacturers achieve consistent, production-ready surface finishes.”

For the first time, Mass Finishing will exhibit in the Aero Defense Showcase, highlighting post-processing solutions designed for the demanding requirements of aerospace and defense applications. Attendees can see how its equipment improves surface finishes, removes support structures and streamlines post-processing for 3D-printed parts.

Live demonstrations will show centrifugal barrel finishing transforming rough 3D-printed parts into smooth, production-ready components. Visitors can also learn about Mass Finishing’s in-house test lab, where experts develop a proven finishing process tailored to each customer’s parts.

We look forward to welcoming the Mass Finishing team to AeroDef Manufacturing 2027 in Detroit.

Book Exhibit Space Today: https://bit.ly/AD27InquiryRequest
RAPID + TCT Event Manufacturing Technology Series

In 2027, AeroDef Manufacturing colocates alongside RAPID + TCT and MT Series West! GroundControl shared why staying connected with the manufacturing community made returning in 2027 an easy decision:

“We come back to RAPID + TCT to sit down with the customers we build for. Hearing their day to day pain points is what shapes our product roadmap. That combination of reconnecting with existing customers and staying close to this community made rebooking for 2027 an easy decision.”

For aerospace and defense manufacturers, visibility and compliance across the supply chain are critical to keeping production on track. At AeroDef Manufacturing 2027, GroundControl will showcase its supply chain management solution designed to simplify first article flow downs and provide greater visibility into compliance from start to finish.

Attendees can also explore enhancements to GroundControl’s FAIR generation tool and get a first look at its new Contract (PO) Review solution, designed to identify missing or mismatched contract evidence before FAI or production and help prevent avoidable rejections from reaching the shop floor.

We look forward to welcoming GroundControl back to AeroDef Manufacturing 2027 in Detroit.

Book Exhibit Space Today: https://bit.ly/AD27InquiryRequest

RAPID + TCT Event Manufacturing Technology Series

In this episode of AeroDef Next Gen, we're exploring how proven space technologies are being adapted to support the future of lunar exploration.

According to Aerospace Manufacturing and Design, Northrop Grumman is developing a series of Lunar Infrastructure Demo missions that will repurpose technology originally developed for the Habitation and Logistics Outpost, or HALO, to support NASA's plans for sustained operations near the Moon's South Pole.

The demonstrations will focus on capabilities including power generation, thermal management, communications, and autonomous operations, helping advance the infrastructure needed to support future lunar missions.

By building on existing aerospace systems and technologies, the effort provides a path for accelerating the development of reliable infrastructure for long-term operations on the lunar surface.

The initiative demonstrates how advanced aerospace technologies can be adapted for new missions as NASA works toward establishing a sustained presence on the Moon.

Read more: https://www.aerospacemanufacturinganddesign.com/news/northrop-grumman-help-build-nasa-moon-base/
Video footage courtesy of NASA.

Experience AeroDef, colocated at RAPID + TCT 2027, this April in Detroit.

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NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration Aerospace Manufacturing and Design Magazine

For the third year in a row, AeroDef Manufacturing is returning alongside RAPID + TCT! Steve Kuhnle, Business Development, Defense at CERATIZIT USA, shared why the company is returning in 2027:

“Our experience at RAPID + TCT 2026 was extremely positive. Attendees showed strong interest in our 3D printed products and material grades, but the biggest takeaway was the value customers place on sustainability and supply chain security. The combination of recycled content, proven performance, and a reliable Western supply chain generated meaningful discussions and new opportunities, which made rebooking for 2027 a straightforward decision.”

For aerospace and defense manufacturers, material performance, sustainability, and supply chain security are key considerations for production. At RAPID + TCT 2027, CERATIZIT will highlight its 3D printed products and material grades, including solutions such as the MaxiMill 211 DC 3D printed milling cutter.

We look forward to welcoming CERATIZIT back to AeroDef Manufacturing 2027 in Detroit.

Book Exhibit Space Today: https://bit.ly/AD27InquiryRequest

Ceratizit RAPID + TCT Event

For the third year in a row, AeroDef Manufacturing is returning alongside RAPID + TCT! Marten Jurg, Co-Founder & CEO of Additive Assurance, shared why RAPID + TCT remains an important event for connecting with the metal additive manufacturing community:

“Additive Assurance is returning to RAPID + TCT in 2027 as we see it as a critical event on the calendar. The participation of a strong contingent of manufacturers using metal AM and our industry colleagues serving their needs is key to our ongoing commitment to this trade show."

For aerospace and defense manufacturers, quality assurance plays an important role in supporting metal additive manufacturing for demanding applications. At RAPID + TCT 2027, Additive Assurance will showcase its AMiRIS quality assurance solution for laser powder bed fusion, along with AMiRIS Inside for Nikon SLM Solutions’ NXG platform.

We look forward to welcoming Additive Assurance back to AeroDef Manufacturing 2027 in Detroit.

Book Exhibit Space Today: https://bit.ly/AD27InquiryRequest

RAPID + TCT Event