Here are some factors that influence the decision to use additive manufacturing (3D printing) in aircraft production ¹:

- *3D Printed Rapid Prototypes for Functional Rocket Testing*: The ability to rapidly prototype and test parts is a significant factor in the decision to use additive manufacturing in aircraft production. 3D printing allows for quick and cost-effective production of parts, which can be used for functional testing and prototyping.

- *Create Complex Rocket Parts With 3D Printing*: The ability to create complex parts with 3D printing is another factor that influences the decision to use additive manufacturing in aircraft production. 3D printing allows for the creation of parts with complex geometries and internal structures, which can be difficult or impossible to produce with traditional manufacturing methods.

- *Prototyping Aerospace Tooling With 3D Printing*: The use of 3D printing for prototyping aerospace tooling is also a factor that influences the decision to use additive manufacturing in aircraft production. 3D printing allows for the rapid production of tooling prototypes, which can be used to test and validate designs before moving to full-scale production.

- *Saving Money With 3D Printed Custom Tooling for Aircraft Parts*: The cost savings of using 3D printing for custom tooling is another factor that influences the decision to use additive manufacturing in aircraft production. 3D printing can be used to produce custom tooling parts at a lower cost than traditional manufacturing methods, which can help reduce production costs.

- *Saving Time in Aerospace Manufacturing With 3D Printed Masking Jigs*: The time savings of using 3D printing for masking jigs is also a factor that influences the decision to use additive manufacturing in aircraft production. 3D printing can be used to produce masking jigs quickly and efficiently, which can help reduce production time and increase productivity.

- *3D Printed End-Use Aerospace Parts With Electroplating*: The ability to produce end-use aerospace parts with electroplating is another factor that influences the decision to use additive manufacturing in aircraft production. 3D printing can be used to produce parts with complex geometries and internal structures, which can be electroplated to provide additional strength and durability.

- *Testing 3D Printed Parts in Space*: The ability to test 3D printed parts in space is also a factor that influences the decision to use additive manufacturing in aircraft production. 3D printing can be used to produce parts that can be tested in space, which can help validate their performance and durability in extreme environments.

- *3D Printed Wind Tunnel Test Parts*: The use of 3D printing for wind tunnel test parts is another factor that influences the decision to use additive manufacturing in aircraft production. 3D printing can be used to produce test parts quickly and efficiently, which can help reduce production time and increase productivity.

- *Training the Next Generation of Engineers With 3D Printing*: The ability to train the next generation of engineers with 3D printing is also a factor that influences the decision to use additive manufacturing in aircraft production. 3D printing can be used to provide hands-on training and education for engineers, which can help develop their skills and knowledge in additive manufacturing.