While metal additive manufacturing (AM) dominates discussions in aerospace and defence, polymer-based AM is often overlooked—despite offering significant advantages in certain applications. This panel will challenge industry assumptions and explore how high-performance polymers are already proving their value in mission-critical environments. Experts will discuss how polymer AM can reduce weight, enhance performance, lower costs, and streamline supply chains while overcoming some of the limitations of metal AM.

Key Discussion Points:

✅ Challenging the Status Quo: Why has metal AM become the default choice for defence and aerospace applications?
✅ Performance Where It Matters: The mechanical, thermal, and chemical properties of advanced polymers that make them ideal for defence applications.
✅ Weight Reduction & Fuel Efficiency: The role of polymers in reducing aircraft and vehicle weight, improving operational efficiency.
✅ Supply Chain Agility: How polymer AM enables on-demand manufacturing, reduces lead times, and enhances fleet sustainment.
✅ Cost & Sustainability Benefits: Lower material costs, energy consumption, and recyclability compared to metal AM.
✅ Breaking the Certification Barrier: How to accelerate acceptance of polymer AM parts in mission-critical applications.

Takeaways:

🔹 A realistic, data-driven understanding of where polymers outperform metals
🔹 Insights into successful defence and aerospace applications using polymer AM
🔹 Guidance on certification and adoption strategies for polymer AM in defence supply chains
🔹 A roadmap to balancing metal and polymer AM for an optimal manufacturing strategy