3D Printing in the Aerospace Industry: Emerging Legal Issues for Counsel and Insurers

This Article covers the fast-growing use of additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing, in the aerospace industry for critical and noncritical parts. The use of this technology raises regulatory and liability issues in the United States and Europe. Insurers of aerospace-related companies must also consider how to plan for the risks involved with the technology and the new entrants in the market who are designing, selling, and distributing additive manufacturing printers. Neither the regulatory bodies in the United States nor Europe have issued regulations aimed at additive manufacturing, as the law is even further behind.

This Article informs lawyers and others in aerospace to raise awareness of this transformative technology.