UK MANUFACTURING SUPPORT
Manufacturing Support for UAV & Drone Companies
Prototypes, short production runs and repeat manufacturing using 3D printing, CNC machining and carbon fibre.
Outpost Technology provides flexible manufacturing support for companies that need parts made without bringing every process in-house.
Extra manufacturing capacity when you need it
Outpost Technology works with companies that need parts made quickly, whether that's an early prototype, a short production run or repeat batches.
For UAV and drone manufacturers, we can support projects using 3D printing, CNC machining and carbon fibre.
Sometimes that means making a component exactly as supplied. Other times it means looking at the design first and working out whether it could be made faster, stronger or more efficiently.
We are happy to work with finished CAD, drawings, rough concepts or anything in between.
3D Printing for Production
3D printing isn't only useful for prototypes.
For the right components, it can be a practical way of producing small and medium production runs without the cost or lead time associated with conventional tooling.
Our setup allows us to manufacture multiple components at the same time, giving us the flexibility to handle prototypes, short runs and repeat batches.
If you already have a component being printed elsewhere, we're also happy to look at the design and see whether the manufacturing process could be improved.
Materials suited to demanding UAV applications
Material choice can make a big difference to the performance of a printed component, particularly where strength, weight, heat resistance and electrical properties matter.
For UAV and drone applications, we can manufacture parts using a range of engineering-grade materials including PPA, PPA-CF, PPS-CF and PPS-GF.
For many applications, PPS-GF is particularly useful because it combines high toughness with good thermal performance while remaining electrically non-conductive. That can make it a strong option for components used around electronics, sensors and other sensitive systems.
The right material will always depend on the component, its environment and what the part actually needs to do, so we are happy to advise on material selection before production begins.
PPA
Good dimensional stability, strength and temperature resistance.
PPS-CF
A high-performance reinforced material suited to demanding mechanical and thermal environments.
PPA-CF
Carbon-fibre reinforced for increased stiffness and strength where electrical conductivity is not a concern
PPS-GF
A tough, glass-fibre reinforced option with strong thermal properties and the benefit of electrical non-conductivity.
We also work with Polymaker Fiberon engineering materials where appropriate.
Prototypes
One-off and early-stage components for testing, development and design changes.
Batch Production
Multiple components manufactured together for low and medium-volume requirements.
Repeat Production
Parts produced again when you need them, without committing to large tooling costs or minimum quantities.
The sort of parts we can help with
Equipment housings
Electronics enclosures
Mounting brackets
Antenna mounts
Sensor mounts
Camera mounts
Cable management parts
Covers and protective components
Assembly jigs and fixtures
Test components
Prototype airframe components
Custom brackets and interfaces
That's not an exhaustive list. If you have something unusual, send it over and we'll have a look.
CNC Machining
Not every component should be 3D printed.
Where a part needs greater strength, tighter tolerances, improved temperature resistance or simply makes more sense in metal, CNC machining may be the better option.
We can look at the requirement first and suggest the manufacturing process that makes the most sense rather than trying to force every component into the same method.
Carbon Fibre
For projects where low weight and stiffness are important, we can also support carbon fibre components.
This could include lightweight structural components, brackets, panels and other parts where reducing mass is an important part of the design.
Working with Ukrainian UAV manufacturers
We are open to working with Ukrainian UAV and defence technology companies looking for additional manufacturing capacity in the UK.
That could mean prototype development, overflow production, repeat batches or individual components that make sense to manufacture externally.
Projects don't need to arrive with a perfect production pack. CAD files, engineering drawings, photographs, sketches and early concepts are all useful starting points.
If you're looking for a UK manufacturing partner, send us the requirement and we'll let you know whether it's something we can realistically help with.
Have something you need made?
Send it over and we'll take a look.
Whether it's one prototype, twenty parts or something you expect to need regularly, we're happy to discuss it.
Small enquiries are welcome too.