The defence and aerospace sectors demand the very highest performance from manufacturing technologies. Components must be lightweight yet strong, production must be fast yet secure – and everything must perform flawlessly under critical conditions.

miniFactory’s industrial 3D printing solutions are built with these exact challenges in mind. By combining advanced hardware, certified high-performance polymers, and industry-grade quality assurance, miniFactory enables defence and aerospace organisations to manufacture components that deliver in the most demanding environments.

High-Performance Additive Manufacturing for Critical Applications

miniFactory’s advanced polymer 3D printing technology produces parts that can withstand extreme mechanical stress, elevated temperatures, and stringent fire safety requirements. With build sizes up to 600 × 400 × 400 mm, a compact footprint for deployment in offices, ships, or containers, and IT security that meets the strictest defence standards, the solution is engineered for both flexibility and reliability.

3d printed parts
Key capabilities
  • Materials: ULTEM AM9085F, PEEK-CF, and other high performance polymers
  • Made in Finland, supported by a wide European service network
  • Portable and compact design for versatile installation
  • Open material system – save up to 50% in material costs
  • Localised service and maintenance across Europe

miniFactory technology is already proven in the defence sector, with confidential references available for review in dedicated discussions.

ULTEM AM9085F – A Supermaterial for Defence & Aerospace

ULTEM AM9085F (polyetherimide) filament is based on a polyetherimide blend used in the aerospace industry. It is ideal for aerospace, marine, and land vehicles as it has a high strength to weight ratio and FST (flame, smoke, and toxicity class). Features Heat resistance up to 170 ° C Certified for aircraft components FST compliant with OSU rating 55/55 Inherent flame resistance (UL94 V-0) Excellent impact resistance Fire Protection of Railway Vehicles (EN45545-2)

peek-cf printed part
black cap part

PEEK CF - Trusted by Aerospace & Defence

PEEK (Polyetheretherketone) is a semi-crystalline thermoplastic with excellent thermal, mechanical and chemical resistance properties. In addition, the carbon fiber improves the compressive strength, stiffness, and load-bearing capacity of PEEK

Features
  • Heat resistance up to 260 ° C
  • High strength and toughness
  • Significant wear and abrasion resistance
  • Excellent electrical insulation properties over a wide temperature and frequency range
  • Low emissions of smoke and toxic gases
  • Low thermal expansion rate
Applications already in use include:
  • Military vehicles - interior panels, covers, enclosures
  • Naval vessels - sensor housings, cable ducts, flame-rated structures
  • Aerospace - aircraft interiors, seat mounts, air ducts, casings
  • UAVs & drones - frames, motor housings, optics mounts
  • Radar & comms - shielding and protective housings
  • Transport & logistics - lightweight storage and carrying units
  • Field operations - custom service tools and maintenance aids units

Driving Innovation in Defence Manufacturing

Lightweighting for Operational Efficiency

In defence and aerospace, every kilogram matters. By replacing metal with polymers such as carbon fibre-reinforced PEEK or ULTEM AM9085F, manufacturers can achieve dramatic weight reductions without compromising strength. The result is improved mobility, increased payload capacity, and reduced fuel consumption – all key to mission efficiency.

Safety and Durability Under Extreme Conditions

Flame resistance and thermal stability are crucial for applications exposed to high heat or harsh environments. miniFactory’s technology makes it possible to produce certified, durable components that ensure safety and maintain system integrity under stress.

Customisation for Mission-Specific Needs

From sensor mounts to communication housings and cooling ducts, 3D printing enables tailored parts that meet the exact requirements of each operation. This customisation improves overall system performance while reducing the reliance on long, costly supply chains.

Rapid Prototyping and Deployment

Speed is often critical in defence. miniFactory solutions allow organisations to prototype, iterate, and produce end-use parts rapidly. By shortening development cycles and reducing lead times, vital equipment can be deployed faster when it matters most.

drone body

Transforming Aerospace with miniFactory

The aerospace industry is under constant pressure to reduce weight, improve efficiency, and meet strict safety standards. miniFactory 3D printing technology directly addresses these challenges:

  • Weight reduction - reduces fuel consumption and costs, a priority in aviation and space launch operations
  • Extreme polymers - such as PEEK-CF withstand high temperatures and chemical exposure, making them ideal for demanding aerospace environments
  • Certified materials - ensure compliance with aviation safety standards for non-critical interior parts and assemblies
  • Aarni Process Monitoring System - provides industry-class quality assurance, validating every printed part for reliability and durability
Real-world aerospace applications include:
  • Ventilation systems
  • Interior assemblies and cable ducts
  • Brackets and enclosures
  • Protective covers and housings
  • Structural components for satellites and spacecraft
sensor housing
minifactory 3d printer and part

In fact, polymers like PEEK CF have already been tested in projects with the European Space Agency, where they are being evaluated to replace traditional metal parts.

Conclusion

miniFactory’s advanced 3D printing solutions empower the defence and aerospace sectors to move beyond traditional manufacturing constraints. By leveraging high-performance polymers, secure and portable hardware, and integrated quality assurance, organisations can achieve:

  • Lightweighting - for efficiency and mobility
  • Durability and safety - in extreme conditions
  • Customisation - for mission-specific applications
  • Rapid prototyping and production - for fast deployment

This innovation not only reduces costs and supply chain risks but also strengthens operational capabilities in mission-critical environments.

Get in touch today to explore how miniFactory can integrate advanced 3D printing into your defence or aerospace operations – just as we have already done with several organisations in the sector.