Technical Leaflet 3.30 – Parts Produced by Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing)

This new Technical Leaflet provides guidance on the use of additively manufactured (3D-printed) parts in LAA aircraft. It draws on lessons identified during an AAIB investigation and highlights the importance of selecting appropriate materials and manufacturing processes, particularly for airworthiness-critical and environmentally demanding applications.

The leaflet explains why the properties of 3D-printed components cannot be assumed from material names alone and outlines the key characteristics that should be considered when assessing the suitability of printed parts, including material composition, manufacturing process, key process parameters, and build orientation. It also reminds builders to declare significant modifications involving 3D-printed parts to LAA Engineering for technical assessment.

Please take the time to read the TL3.30 HERE (or below) and refer to it when considering the use of 3D-printed parts in aircraft construction or modification.