Caracol and AES Partner to Drive 3D Printing Innovation in Aerospace and Defense!

Caracol, a leader in robotic large-format additive manufacturing (LFAM), has announced a strategic collaboration with Additive Engineering Solutions (AES), a renowned provider of turnkey LFAM services. This partnership is set to accelerate the adoption of additive manufacturing in the aerospace and defense (A&D) sectors, where precision and innovation are critical. Both companies aim to push the boundaries of what LFAM can achieve, particularly in highly regulated industries.

As part of the partnership, AES will integrate Caracol’s Heron AM platform into its operations. This advanced platform, designed for large-scale 3D printing in thermoplastic composites and metals, will enhance AES’s capabilities in delivering composite tooling and full-scale engineering mockups for aerospace OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers. Caracol, known for being the first LFAM company in Europe with an AS9100-certified production facility, brings cutting-edge technology to the table, enabling AES to expand its services and meet the evolving demands of the A&D market.

AES has a strong foundation in the aerospace and defense industry, holding an AS9100 Quality Management System certification and adhering to NIST Cybersecurity standards. The company has a proven track record in composite tooling and engineering mockups, making it a trusted partner for A&D manufacturers in the U.S. With Caracol’s advanced robotic platforms, AES can now deliver even more innovative and efficient solutions tailored to the stringent requirements of this sector.

The collaboration capitalizes on the complementary expertise of both companies. Caracol’s scalable and modular platforms align seamlessly with AES’s market presence and technical know-how. Together, they will focus on developing innovative solutions for polymer and metal applications, addressing critical challenges in the A&D industry. This partnership also represents a significant step toward expanding the reach and adoption of LFAM in other high-performance sectors.

Francesco De Stefano, CEO and Co-founder of Caracol, highlighted the potential of this partnership, stating, “AES’s experience in A&D applications complements Caracol’s turnkey technological platforms, allowing us to push the boundaries of LFAM for both polymer and metal applications.” Austin Schmidt, President and Co-founder of AES, shared similar enthusiasm: “Partnering with Caracol strengthens our ability to develop cutting-edge A&D applications while expanding our reach. Their versatile robotic platforms are a key enabler for our growth in the LFAM market.”

By combining their strengths, Caracol and AES are poised to revolutionize additive manufacturing in aerospace and defense, paving the way for innovative, efficient, and sustainable solutions in these highly demanding industries.