Precision additive manufacturing for Houston’s aerospace and defense cluster. From functional tooling jigs to UAV structural components, we produce parts that meet the exacting standards the industry demands.
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Houston is home to one of the largest concentrations of aerospace and defense contractors in the United States, anchored by NASA’s Johnson Space Center and a dense network of prime contractors and suppliers. Export Commodity serves this ecosystem with rapid, precision additive manufacturing capabilities — delivering functional parts, tooling aids, and development prototypes on the timelines that program schedules demand.
We are ITAR-aware, operate under standard NDA for all aerospace clients, and maintain strict file security protocols. Our facility is not ITAR-registered, so we focus on non-controlled technical data and publicly releasable configurations. For programs requiring ITAR registration, we can refer qualified partners.
Drill guides, assembly aids, inspection fixtures, and custom tooling printed in engineering-grade materials. Reduce lead time from weeks to days versus machined tooling.
Lightweight structural frames, motor mounts, gimbal housings, antenna fairings, and custom aerodynamic components in carbon fiber nylon and lightweight PETG composites.
Engineering development models and fit-check mockups for satellite buses, payload modules, and ground support equipment. Fast turnaround for CDR/PDR milestone support.
Non-functional training replicas, maintenance training aids, safety demonstration models, and classroom equipment for aerospace and defense training programs.
Wind tunnel models, thermal test articles, fit-check components, and form-function prototypes for validation testing. Multi-iteration rapid cycling supported.
Structural brackets, cable management clips, panel inserts, and custom enclosure components for avionics, ground support equipment, and lab infrastructure.
| Material | Key Properties | Aerospace Application | Temp Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| ULTEM / PEI | High strength, flame-retardant, ESD option | Interior components, tooling, enclosures | 170°C (HDT) |
| Carbon Fiber Nylon (CFR-PA) | High stiffness-to-weight, excellent fatigue resistance | UAV frames, brackets, structural components | 130°C (HDT) |
| ESD-Safe PLA / ABS | Static dissipative, surface resistance 10^6–10^9 Ω | Electronics assembly jigs, ESD packaging | 60–100°C |
| PEEK | Exceptional chemical/heat resistance, biocompatible | High-temp structural, chemical exposure environments | 250°C (HDT) |
| Metal-fill PLA (Iron/Copper) | Metal appearance, increased density | Display models, non-structural replicas | Standard |
| Nylon PA12 (SLS) | Isotropic properties, excellent surface finish | Functional enclosures, ducting, complex geometries | 120°C (HDT) |
Every aerospace and defense engagement begins with a mutual NDA. Your technical data, designs, and program information never leave our controlled environment. Files are stored securely and deleted upon project completion at your request.
Being in Houston means same-day delivery to JSC, Clear Lake facilities, and the Ship Channel industrial corridor. No waiting on cross-country shipping for iteration cycles. Call us and have parts in hand today.
Our team reviews every file for printability, structural integrity considerations, and material suitability before production starts. We flag issues proactively — no surprises on delivery day.
Aerospace development cycles require fast iteration. We support back-to-back revision cycles with the same-day or next-day turnaround that keeps your program on schedule. Multi-version concurrent printing available.
Export Commodity is not currently ITAR-registered. We serve aerospace and defense clients on non-controlled technical data and publicly releasable configurations. We are ITAR-aware and train our team on the fundamentals of export control compliance. For programs requiring ITAR-registered manufacturing, we can refer you to appropriate partners. We recommend discussing your program’s export control status with us before submitting technical data so we can assess fit accurately.
Our FDM process holds ±0.2mm on standard features and ±0.15mm with careful process control. Our SLA resin process achieves ±0.1mm. Our SLS nylon process (Selective Laser Sintering) holds ±0.3mm with excellent isotropy. For tighter tolerances on critical interfaces, we recommend printing with stock and performing post-process machining on critical surfaces — we can coordinate this with our machining partners. GD&T callouts on your drawings help us prioritize which surfaces require the most attention.
We source engineering-grade filaments from reputable suppliers with published material data sheets. We do not carry MIL-SPEC or AS9100 certified materials. For applications requiring full material traceability and certification, we recommend our parts be used for development, tooling, and test articles rather than flight hardware. If you require COAs (Certificates of Analysis) on the raw material, we can source from suppliers who provide this documentation — typically at a material cost premium. Please specify this requirement at the quoting stage.
Yes. We stock ESD-safe variants of PLA, ABS, and PETG with surface resistivity in the 10^6 to 10^9 ohm range, which meets IEC 61340 standards for ESD protective packaging and assembly aids. These materials are ideal for electronics assembly jigs, PCB holders, component trays, and test fixtures used around sensitive electronics. We verify ESD properties using a surface resistance meter and can include this measurement with your parts on request.
All client files are stored on secured internal systems, never on cloud storage platforms without encryption. We sign NDAs before receiving any technical data. Files are accessed only by the production team assigned to your project. Upon completion, we can confirm secure deletion of your files. We do not discuss client programs, part geometries, or application details with any third party. If your program has specific data handling requirements, share them with us at engagement start and we will accommodate them.