Case Study: UTC Aerospace Systems reduces lead time and cost while boosting part strength with Stratasys ULTEM 1010 3D printing

UTC Aerospace Systems improves production with 3D printing

UTC Aerospace Systems’ Aerostructures group faced a production challenge when a redesigned Y‑shaped fume‑collection nozzle 3D printed in ABS cracked under clamp loads, while CNC machining was estimated to cost $2,000 and take 21 days. UTC, which already used a Fortus 900mc 3D Production System, turned to Stratasys to test a tougher, heat‑resistant material option.

Stratasys’ solution—printing the nozzle in ULTEM 1010 resin on the Fortus system—produced the part in one day for $750, saving 20 days (95%) and $1,250 (63%) versus CNC; the ULTEM 1010 nozzle has run eight months without cracking and demonstrated strong potential for durable tooling, jigs and fixtures in UTC Aerospace Systems’ factory.

UTC Aerospace Systems

Larry Crano

Automation Specialist