CEAD supports the strengthening of LFAM
Following a period of technological evaluation marked by material trials and process validation, large-format additive manufacturing (LFAM) is now being integrated into production environments. Within this dynamic, CEAD Group, a company based in Delft (The Netherlands) and specialised in this technology, is positioning itself as a leading partner. It is supporting this growing industrial maturity for jigs, fixtures, and composite tooling, which is reaching a decisive stage worldwide and particularly in France.
Only a few years ago, French manufacturers were still questioning the feasibility and robustness of large-format additive manufacturing (LFAM). The focus was on dimensional stability, repeatability, and material compatibility. Today, the technology is being deployed for demanding applications: trimming jigs, jigs and fixtures, open moulds, mock-ups and prototypes, thermoforming tooling, and metal sheet forming tools. These are no longer demonstration parts, but production tooling used in industrial environments.
This development is underpinned by a structured ecosystem. Companies such as Safran Nacelles, IPC, Modul Tech, A3D Design, and CMR–CHAB, together with leading French universities such as École de Paris and UT Nantes, are contributing to the progressive industrialisation of these processes across the aerospace, maritime, motorsport, and defence sectors. The accumulation of experience is reducing implementation risks and accelerating the transition from research to manufacturing.
In this context, CEAD supports manufacturers in structuring their capabilities. The company supplies Application Ready Solutions, combining integrated systems, dedicated software workflows, and dedicated materials. CEAD goes beyond equipment installation by assisting with use-case definition, design adaptation, and process validation. The challenge is no longer simply access to the technology, but the ability to integrate it in a stable and repeatable manner.
As France continues to consolidate its position in additive manufacturing for composites, this momentum will be reflected at the upcoming JEC World exhibition in Paris, where CEAD will launch, Hall 5 booth Q58, its Application Ready Solutions for trimming jigs and wet lay-up/vacuum infusion applications, further supporting clients in implementing the technology at scale.
Photos: CEAD
