3D Printing for Aerospace Applications in Houston, TX
When most people think of Houston, TX, they think of the oil and gas industry. While oil and gas are a major part of the local economy, the city also plays a big role in America’s aerospace and aviation industry. It’s home to NASA’s Johnson Space Center, two international airports, 500 companies and institutions involved in aircraft or space vehicle manufacturing, and the world’s first urban commercial spaceport. In 2019 Houston’s total trade in aircraft, spacecraft, and parts totaled $2.9 billion!
3D Printing Provides Many Benefits to Companies in Houston’s Aerospace Sector
More and more of Houston’s aerospace leaders are turning to 3D print additive manufacturing for solutions when it comes to the production of rapid prototypes, concept models, and finished parts. NASA and other space agencies use 3D printing to produce components for spacecraft, satellites, and even habitats on other planets. It’s become an indispensable tool in the aerospace industry, offering new possibilities for design, manufacturing, and innovation across the entire aerospace ecosystem.
3D printing technology has advanced to the point where it can be applied to produce almost any aerospace component, usually faster and cheaper than traditional manufacturing methods. 3D printing allows for the use of advanced materials such as high-strength polymers, composites, and metal alloys. It can create lightweight components without sacrificing strength or durability, resulting in fuel savings and increased payload capacity.
The process is ideal for producing parts with complex geometries that would be difficult or impossible to manufacture using traditional methods. This includes parts with intricate internal structures, lightweight lattice designs, and optimized shapes for aerodynamics. Spare parts for maintenance and repair operations can be printed on-demand, reducing downtime, shipping hassles, and eliminating the need to stockpile large inventories of replacement parts.
3D Printing for Houston’s Aerospace Industry
Located about thirty miles North of Houston in Conroe, TX, ProTek Models and 3D Printing has been a leader in aerospace 3D print manufacturing and custom model making since 2003. We’ve partnered with some of the world’s leading aerospace companies and institutions, including NASA, Lockheed Martin, Boeing, and the U.S, Air Force. We provide aerospace and aviation companies in the Houston area with access to the latest in 3D printing technology.
In addition to 3D-printed parts, ProTek Models also offers custom-scale model-building services to customers in the aerospace and aviation fields. Our expert team of model makers, engineers, designers, and craftsmen can make models of virtually anything in any size and with any level of complexity. We’re an industry leader when it comes to the creation of durable, high-quality, and high-detail models of satellites, spacecraft, rocket engines, and launch vehicles. Check out our online portfolio for examples of our work.
ProTek Models has the capabilities to handle just about any aerospace-related 3D print or scale model job. Our team of experienced engineers will ensure your finished parts meet the rigorous standards required for today’s high-performance aerospace applications. Contact us through our website or call us at (832) 968-6636 to learn more about our services and receive a free quote.