AeroDef Manufacturing

AeroDef Manufacturing AeroDef® is the leading exposition and technical conference for the aerospace and defense industries.

AeroDef's mission is to foster innovation across the defense and aerospace manufacturing industries to reduce costs, expedite production times and maintain manufacturing competitiveness in the global economy. Produced by SME, in partnership with industry OEMs, AeroDef showcases the industry’s most advanced technologies and facilitates interactions and business relationships between exhibitors and

buyers looking for integrated solutions. This event features technologies within the realms of digital manufacturing, 3D printing, composites, simulation, and much more. Our keynote speakers and panelists come from the highest level of government and business to share their vision on how technology, collaboration and public policy can transform manufacturing. AeroDef is the one event that brings together high-concept, integrated solutions and real-world applications for the defense and aerospace manufacturing industry. Discover potential solutions to prominent industry challenges that affect your business. Network with experts and form relationships with innovative minds prominent in the industry. Keep up with the ever evolving advancements and policy changes in aerospace and defense manufacturing by attending AeroDef Manufacturing.

09/03/2026

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

09/02/2026

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

08/31/2026

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

08/27/2026

In this episode of AeroDef Next Gen, we're exploring how additive manufacturing is strengthening aircraft sustainment for the U.S. Air Force.

According to the Edwards Air Force Base, the Reverse Engineering, Additive, Design and Inspection (READI) Lab at Robins Air Force Base is using additive manufacturing, reverse engineering, and specialized engineering services to produce replacement parts for legacy aircraft, including the C-130, C-5, C-17, B-1, B-52, KC-135, and F-15. The lab's work helps address supply chain challenges by creating components that are difficult or no longer possible to source through traditional manufacturing channels.

The team combines metal and polymer 3D printing with digital inspection and reverse engineering to develop custom manufacturing solutions, extend the service life of critical aircraft, and improve production efficiency. By reducing lead times and increasing manufacturing flexibility, these capabilities help improve aircraft availability and support long-term sustainment efforts.
The initiative demonstrates how advanced manufacturing is providing practical, scalable solutions that strengthen aerospace maintenance and defense manufacturing.

Read more: https://www.edwards.af.mil/News/AFMC-News/Article/4397520/robins-afb-additive-manufacturing-lab-boosts-air-force-readiness/

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United States Air Force Edwards Air Force Base

08/20/2026

In this episode of AeroDef Next Gen, we're exploring how additive manufacturing qualification is helping advance aircraft sustainment.

According to OU News, researchers at the The University of Oklahoma and Oak Ridge National Laboratory have launched Phase II of a collaborative initiative to develop a standardized qualification process for metal additive manufacturing used in U.S. Air Force legacy aircraft. The program brings together the Air Force Sustainment Center, Air Force Research Laboratory - AFRL , and the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Complex to improve how critical replacement parts are manufactured and certified.

Instead of qualifying each machine, material, and component separately, the research team is developing a digital, data-driven approach that uses artificial intelligence and in-process monitoring to verify quality throughout production. The effort is designed to reduce certification timelines, improve manufacturing consistency, and enable qualified parts to be produced across multiple facilities while meeting stringent airworthiness requirements.

The initiative highlights how advanced manufacturing is helping build more efficient, standardized processes that support long-term aerospace sustainment and strengthen the future of defense manufacturing.

Read more: https://www.ou.edu/news/articles/2026/march/ou-ornl-advance-qualification-of-additive-manufacturing-for-air-force-aircraft?

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08/18/2026

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://www.rapid3devent.com/inquiry-request/

08/13/2026

In this episode of AeroDef Next Gen, we're exploring how additive manufacturing is strengthening aircraft sustainment for the United States Air Force.

According to the Edwards Air Force Base, the Reverse Engineering, Additive, Design and Inspection (READI) Lab at Robins Air Force Base is using additive manufacturing, reverse engineering, and specialized engineering services to produce replacement parts for legacy aircraft, including the C-130, C-5, C-17, B-1, B-52, KC-135, and F-15. The lab's work helps address supply chain challenges by creating components that are difficult or no longer possible to source through traditional manufacturing channels.

The team combines metal and polymer 3D printing with digital inspection and reverse engineering to develop custom manufacturing solutions, extend the service life of critical aircraft, and improve production efficiency. By reducing lead times and increasing manufacturing flexibility, these capabilities help improve aircraft availability and support long-term sustainment efforts.

The initiative demonstrates how advanced manufacturing is providing practical, scalable solutions that strengthen aerospace maintenance and defense manufacturing.

Read more: https://www.c3f.navy.mil/News/Article/4540824/uss-theodore-roosevelt-marine-corps-incorporate-3d-printing-technology/

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08/06/2026

In this episode of AeroDef Next Gen, we're exploring how additive manufacturing is supporting the future of distributed manufacturing in defense.

According to USNI News, the USS Essex served as the centerpiece of advanced manufacturing demonstrations during RIMPAC 2026, bringing together shipboard 3D printing, digital part libraries, artificial intelligence, and connected manufacturing networks to produce replacement components closer to where they're needed.

Rather than relying solely on traditional supply chains, the demonstrations examined how distributed manufacturing could enable faster part production, improve maintenance workflows, and enhance readiness across naval operations.

The effort highlights how advanced manufacturing technologies are helping reshape sustainment by connecting digital design with on-demand production in operational environments.

Read more: https://news.usni.org/2026/07/14/uss-essex-at-the-center-of-additive-manufacturing-trials-during-rimpac-26?

U.S. Pacific Fleet RIMPAC

07/30/2026

In this episode of AeroDef Next Gen, we're exploring how additive manufacturing is being applied to one of the world's most advanced military aircraft engines.

According to TCT Magazine, Pratt & Whitney and GKN Aerospace are collaborating to evaluate additive manufacturing for large structural components of the F135 engine, which powers the F-35 Lightning II. The effort will focus on developing manufacturing processes for large-scale engine case components, building on GKN Aerospace's expertise in producing large additively manufactured aerospace structures.

The collaboration highlights how aerospace manufacturers are applying additive manufacturing to increasingly complex, mission-critical engine components. As production capabilities expand, initiatives like this are helping advance manufacturing approaches for next-generation defense systems.

Read more: https://www.tctmagazine.com/pratt-whitney-and-gkn-aerospace-to-3d-print-large-scale-f135-engine-case/

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RTX GKN Aerospace The TCT Group

07/23/2026

In this episode of AeroDef Next Gen, we're examining how additive manufacturing is helping advance the next generation of aerospace propulsion systems.

According to TCT Magazine, Venus Aerospace has secured $91 million in Series B funding to accelerate development and production of its 3D printing-enabled rotating detonation rocket engine (RDRE). The engine is designed to deliver high thrust with improved efficiency, supporting future hypersonic aircraft and other advanced aerospace applications.

By leveraging additive manufacturing, Venus Aerospace can produce the complex internal geometries required for next-generation propulsion systems while streamlining manufacturing and accelerating development. The investment will help expand production capabilities and advance engine testing as the company moves toward commercial and defense applications.

The announcement highlights how advanced manufacturing is enabling innovative propulsion technologies that have the potential to shape the future of aerospace and defense.

Read more: https://www.tctmagazine.com/venus-aerospace-raises-91m-to-fund-development-production-of-3d-printing-enabled-high-thrust-rocket-engine/

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The TCT Group

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