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3 Aviation Items You Can 3D Print Today
By YOYSHO — STEM Made Real
At YOYSHO, we focus on practical STEM learning and real-world fabrication. 3D printing isn’t just about prototyping—it’s a powerful tool for creating functional aviation equipment used every day on the ramp and in hangars.
From flight schools to student makers, additive manufacturing allows designers to move quickly from concept to use. Here are three aviation items you can 3D print today, all of which are featured examples in YOYSHO’s aviation-focused design and fabrication programs.
1. Pitot Tube Covers
Pitot tube covers are a critical safety accessory, protecting pitot tubes from insects, moisture, and debris while aircraft are parked.
Through 3D printing, pitot covers can be:
- Custom-fit to specific aircraft types
- Designed with friction-fit or retention loops
- Printed in high-visibility colors for ramp safety
At YOYSHO, students learn how design tolerances and material choice affect fit and durability—turning a simple object into a lesson in aircraft systems awareness and preventative safety.
2. Wheel Chocks
Wheel chocks are essential for aircraft ground safety, preventing unwanted movement during parking and maintenance. While commercial chocks are often bulky or expensive, 3D-printed versions offer lightweight, customizable alternatives for training and general aviation use.
With YOYSHO’s design workflows, students can:
- Scale chocks to different tire sizes
- Integrate rope handles or interlocking features
- Optimize geometry for strength and print efficiency
This project introduces key engineering principles such as load distribution, structural reinforcement, and material performance—core skills in industrial 3D printing.
3. “Remove Before Flight” Keychains & Tags
“Remove Before Flight” tags are a small but powerful safety tool, reinforcing proper preflight procedures and human-factors awareness.
3D-printed tags allow for:
- Custom text, branding, or aircraft identifiers
- Durable, repeatable production
- Integration with fabric streamers or key rings
At YOYSHO, these designs serve as an introduction to functional product design—combining usability, visibility, and safety culture in a compact project.
Why YOYSHO Focuses on Aviation Prints
Each of these items demonstrates what we believe in at YOYSHO:
- STEM learning through making
- Design tied to real-world use
- Safety-driven engineering
- From digital design to physical object
Rather than abstract projects, students work on items used in actual aviation environments—bridging education, engineering, and applied manufacturing.
STEM Made Real
3D printing may not replace certified aircraft components, but it plays a growing role in aviation accessories, training tools, and ground-support equipment. Through YOYSHO’s instructor-led programs, students gain the skills and confidence to design, print, and refine objects that serve real operational purposes.
YOYSHO — STEM Made Real.