Additive Manufacturing

Delivering high quality polymer parts using state-of-the-art additive manufacturing technologies.

AFD Systems delivers high quality polymer parts and assemblies, using state-of-the-art additive manufacturing machines and processes, into the aerospace, defence and other highly regulated sectors.

Operating from our cutting-edge UK CAA Part 21G approved facility in North West England, we design, manufacture and certify flightworthy components that meet the most stringent UK, European and FAA airworthiness requirements.

As a trusted partner to global-leading OEMs, primes and Tier 1 and 2 supply chains, our additive manufacturing expertise enables agile, high-quality production of complex components, accelerating innovation, reducing lead times and optimising cost and performance across platforms.

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Additive manufacturing expertise you can trust

With deep roots in aerospace engineering and advanced manufacturing, AFD Systems provides an end-to-end additive manufacturing capability. Our team combines advanced design, material science and certification expertise to deliver flight-approved components that integrate seamlessly into existing systems.

Our extensive experience includes:

  • Certified cabin interior components
  • Environmental control (ECS) ducting
  • Equipment housings and radomes
  • Customer tooling, design aids and mock-ups

Our certified process and methodology

AFD Systems utilises Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) technology to produce high-performance polymer components with exceptional repeatability. Our in-house Stratasys and Markforged systems enable efficient production of both flightworthy and prototype components.

We also offer a wide range of aerospace-grade thermoplastics, including ULTEM™, AM200 and Antero, as well as versatile materials such as ASA, Nylon-CF and PLA for tooling and development applications.

Every additive workflow is managed in accordance with international standards, including SAE AMS7100, ensuring traceability, consistency and conformance to the highest technical requirements.

From concept to certification, our digital manufacturing environment supports rapid iteration, integrated inspection and full documentation, giving our clients confidence in both quality and compliance.

About AFD Systems

AFD Systems is a market-leading advanced engineering and manufacturing business, trusted by global aerospace and UK defence organisations.

With over 600 successfully completed engineering projects across 70 fixed-wing and rotary platforms, UAVs, drones and land systems, AFD delivers robust and technically-advanced solutions that drive the industry forward.

Headquartered in cutting-edge engineering facilities in North West England, AFD Systems is committed to engineering excellence, continuous improvement and a purpose to address complex challenges that contribute to a safer, more secure world.

Why choose AFD Systems?

AFD Systems acts as a seamless extension of client teams, combining advanced digital manufacturing technologies with deep engineering insight to accelerate project outcomes. Clients choose AFD Systems for:

  • Agile and efficient delivery
  • Reliable, trusted collaboration
  • High-quality, repeatable output
  • On-time, on-budget performance

our approach

Our approach is guided by a consistent set of values that ensures every project aligns with our clients’ mission goals:

  • CUSTOMER-CENTRIC | From beginning to end
  • INTEGRITY | In all that we do
  • INNOVATION | To remain in front
  • ONE TEAM | Making us stronger together

Materials

ABS

ABS thermoplastic filament blends the design freedom of FDM (Fused Deposition Modelling) technology with versatility and affordability. Characterised by its strength and toughness, ABS is also lightweight and resilient, making it suitable for most general-purpose 3D printing applications.

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Antero 800NA

Antero 800NA is a Polyetherketoneketone (PEKK)-based FDM thermoplastic. As a high-performance material, it possesses enhanced chemical resistance capabilities.

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ASA

Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate (ASA) is a thermoplastic used in 3D printing, prized for its resistance to UV radiation, weathering, and aging.

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PA12 CF15

PA12 CF15, or Polyamide 12 reinforced with 15% carbon fibre, is a high-performance thermoplastic offering superior strength and rigidity.

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PLA

Polylactic Acid (PLA) is a bioactive, biodegradable thermoplastic. Sourced from renewable resources

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ULTEM 9085

ULTEM Polyetherimide resin (PEI) is an amorphous high- performance polymer which is characterised by excellent thermal properties

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ABS ESD-7

ABS ESD-7 provides electrostatic dissipative performance combined with the high impact resistance toughness of ABS.

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Onyx

Onyx is a micro carbon fibre filled nylon that yields accurate parts with near flawless surface finish.

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ULTEM1010

ULTEM 1010 provides outstanding high‑temperature resistance, excellent chemical stability, and inherent flame-retardant properties.

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AM200

VICTREX AM™ 200 is a PEEK-based material. Designed specifically for 3D printing, VICTREX AM™ 200 offers the benefits of a PAEK material while at the same time resolving the challenges associated with other forms of PEEK 3D printing materials.

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Standards and accreditations

AFD Systems is fully accredited and certified to deliver additive manufacturing solutions across a range of tightly controlled sectors. Our operations adhere to the following standards:

Related Case Studies

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“AFD was able to bring extensive experience in composite design and structural testing to a complex programme. During the test campaign, the AFD CVE/Witness diligently carried out their duty to ensure test article conformity, and to execute the test in accordance with the Test Plan intent. Post‐test, AFD was able to process the results and deliver the required documents without delay, enabling GVH to receive the Supplemental Type Certificate in a timely manner.”

Jaco Loubser - Programme Director, Nova Systems

“AFD was selected owing to their product knowledge and track record in delivering similar work to a high standard. AFD has always delivered on schedule and offer a competitive pricing model.”

Gary Wells - Chief Stress Engineer, Héroux-Devtek

“We awarded the monument stress analysis to AFD owing to their extensive experience and knowledge in analysing this kind of structure and their pro-active approach to resolving technical difficulties often encountered in the design phase. The added value of using AFD was their pre-existing relationship with our customer (the DOA) enabling AFD to compile, check and verify the structural substantiation.”

Kevin Hann - Head of Design, JETMS

Sectors

AFD Systems is known globally for its work supporting customers in the aerospace and defence sectors, while it also has in-depth expertise in highly technical and regulated sectors such as medical, motorsport, nuclear, rail and space.

In the primary sectors of aerospace and defence, we provide engineering solutions for new design, modifications, repairs and reverse engineering for major airlines, special mission platform operators, military fleets, and VIP customers.

Sectors

Trusted by organisations across the world