Neoptera has been using 3D FDM printers since 2012 for the production of functional and non-functional parts on behalf of our customers, including:
- sub-scale mock-up of aircraft parts (for Airbus) to illustrate the operation of complex parts;
- full-scale non-functional aircraft parts for fitment tests;
- sub-scale and full-scale functional (flying) aircraft parts for our subsidiary (Neoptera Aero);
We have several FDM 3D printers and a large CNC router that are perfectly suited to fast prototyping and R&D.
We typically print in PLA for functional and non-functional parts that are not weight sensitive and we use Nylon or ABS for functional parts that are weight sensitive (Nylon/ABS can be up to 30% lighter than PLA).
For specific lightweight and extra strength/stiffness we also use carbon fibre and glass filled Nylon material.
Neoptera is a multitasking company located in Bristol, England. They offer 3D printing as well as design services. The company operates an FDM machine and offers to print in PLA and Nylon. Our test part was printed in gray PLA. The model came out nice. All the surface elements are solid, thin details came out accurate. The surface itself looks pretty smooth and clean. The item was printed in a timely fashion.
