
Aerospace / UAV
UAV Shell Structure Prototype
Faster flight-test loops with lower structural weight.
Customer Requirement
A UAV startup needed lightweight shell components for repeated test cycles with quick revision turns.
Challenges
- Thin-wall geometry was vulnerable to deformation.
- Frequent design updates required a flexible prototype path.
- Critical mating features still needed precision tolerance control.
Solution
We paired rapid prototyping with CNC finishing for critical features, then moved approved revisions into a scalable machining workflow.
Process & Results
Process
Rapid prototyping + CNC finishing
Material
AL7075 + engineering resin prototypes
Volume
30 prototype sets, then 600/month
Inspection
CMM + visual wall-thickness inspection
Lead Time
72h prototype, 14 days production
18% weight reduction72-hour prototype cycleRepeatable fit on mating features
