Specializing in industrial 3D printing of thermoplastic parts, Solaxis has become a strategic partner for the production of military components. With the expertise, resources and infrastructure to meet defence industry requirements, our team has developed advanced capabilities that make us a trusted partner. Here are some reasons why defence organizations choose Solaxis.
1. World-Class Additive Manufacturing
2. Large-Format Capabilities
3. High Production Capacity
4. Engineering Thermoplastics & FST-Certified Materials (flame, smoke, toxicity)
5. Research and Development: Advanced Lab Capabilities
6. Effective Quality Management
7. Industrial & Technological Benefits
8. Methodology and Technical Specifications Tailored for the Defense Sector
1. World-Class Additive Manufacturing
Our highly skilled engineering team optimizes the design and production of complex parts for the defence sector. Combined with a robust quality assurance system, our expertise ensures reliable, compliant components. Solaxis operates a cutting-edge fleet of FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) and SLS (Selective Laser Sintering) printers, enabling fast, precise production. These strengths position Solaxis as a trusted partner to boost productivity in the sector, even when it comes to large components.
2. Large-Format Capabilities
Defence components can be sizable and sometimes must be produced in a single piece, such as panels or vehicle consoles. Various clients rely on Solaxis for these, oversized, one-piece solutions.
Our large-format machines maximize production envelopes and flexibility, optimizing both fabrication time and costs:
- FDM / FFF: up to 40 × 40 × 40 in (1,000 × 1,000 × 1,000 mm)
- SLS: up to 15 × 15 × 16 in (381 × 381 × 406 mm)
3. High Production Capacity
Military contracts often require fast production rates in a limited time frame. Solaxis’ wide machine park allows us to meet high-volume demands:
- FDM: 9 industrial 3D printers, 7 large-format
- FFF: 2 very large-format printers plus multiple smaller units
- SLS: 2 SLS 3D printers, an optimal and efficient process for producing small parts in low to mid-volume series.
4. Engineering Thermoplastics & FST-Certified Materials (flame, smoke, toxicity)
Additive manufacturing offers a wide range of materials, from standard thermoplastics (PLA, ABS, ASA, PP, PETG) to high-performance thermoplastics (PEKK, ULTEM) and technical polymers (polycarbonate, nylon). This allows for a wide range of military applications.
Flame standards are typically required for final-use components in military aircraft and selected military vehicles. Solaxis offers a range of FST-certified materials that meet the following standards:
- 14 CFR 25.853
- BSS 7238 / 7239
- AITM 2.0007B / 3.0005
Testing confirms that Solaxis’ FST-certified materials meet the following requirements:
- 60s and 12s Vertical Burn
- 15s Horizontal Burn
- Toxic Gas Emission
- Smoke Density
- Heat Release Rate of Cabin Materials
5. Research and Development: Advanced Lab Capabilities
Our facilities include a fully equipped laboratory for material characterization, mechanical testing (flexure, tensile, and compression), dimensional inspection, and more. This enables us to validate the quality, properties, repeatability, and reliability of parts and materials, which are essential requirements in the defence sector.
6. Effective Quality Management
Our manufacturing processes are conducted in a strictly controlled production environment, following a precise and fully documented methodology. Each part has full material traceability, supported by a certificate of conformity. Additionally, a First Article Inspection (FAI) is conducted to validate initial compliance and ensure high-quality standards from the very first part produced.
Our certifications, a mark of quality and reliability, include:
- AS 9100:2016
- ISO 9001:2015
- Controlled Goods Program
- NIST Cybersecurity aligned with CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification)
7. Industrial & Technological Benefits
For many years, our engineers have leveraged their knowledge, skills, and expertise to carry out defense and R&D projects. Innovations span the entire additive manufacturing value chain, including materials, processes, quality management, and post-processing.
In line with the ITB (Industrial and Technological Benefits) policy, decision-makers gain significant advantages by working with Solaxis. As a Canadian SME with an in-house R&D department and access to advanced materials, Solaxis meets program criteria, allowing clients to benefit from industrial and technological outcomes.
8. Methodology and Technical Specifications Tailored for the Defense Sector
Leveraging our 3D printing expertise, certifications, corporate structure, and proven methodology, Solaxis has been serving the defense sector for several years.
For critical and repeatable parts, it is essential to implement a precise, detailed process and quality control methodology. This approach ensures our manufacturing processes are certified and controlled to achieve consistent production, for example by producing sample parts during production and monitoring key equipment parameters such as humidity levels.
If you operate in the defence sector and want to innovate, validate a concept, or produce low-volume parts, our team of experts is ready to advise you. Contact us today.