Innovative Tooling Solutions

Agile, lightweight and intelligent production tooling

innovative tooling solutions

AFD Systems delivers innovative tooling solutions that enable the accurate and efficient manufacture of components, systems and assemblies across aerospace and defence applications.

Our decades of experience in airframe manufacturing and advanced materials allows us to design and deliver lightweight, robust and intelligent tooling that supports both production and modification programmes.

We partner with OEMs, primes and Tier 1 and 2 supply chains to engineer turnkey, end-to-end tooling solutions to ensure uncompromising quality.

Excellence in tooling solutions

We design, implement and manufacture precision tooling systems that underpin efficient production workflows and support complex manufacturing operations.

Our tooling solutions are used globally, from retrofitting sensors and special mission platforms to finishing composite parts for aircraft and rotorcraft assemblies.

By combining traditional manufacturing with polymer additive technologies and composite materials, AFD Systems delivers agile, digital and future-ready tooling solutions that meet the evolving needs of modern aerospace and defence production.

Capabilities include:

Tool design and manufacture
Assembly jigs and fixtures
Drill and rout templates
Polymer additive tooling components
CAD and structural design
Design for Manufacture (DfM)

Our team brings together design, manufacturing and certification expertise to create fit-for-purpose tooling that improves precision and operational performance.

Our process and methodology

At AFD Systems, we combined highly skilled engineers with subject matter experts to deliver optimised tooling solutions tailored to our customers’ needs. Our approach integrates digital design, simulation and advanced manufacturing technologies to ensure each tooling system achieves the highest level of accuracy and performance.

Collaboration between our engineering and manufacturing teams allows us to exploit the full potential of additive manufacturing, advanced polymers and lightweight composites, delivering agile and high-integrity tooling for critical applications.

This integrated process ensures:
Lightweight, high-performance solutions

Reduced lead time and work
Seamless digital workflows from concept to manufacture
Full compliance with multiple industry standards and regulations

About AFD Systems

AFD Systems is a market-leading advanced engineering and manufacturing business, trusted by global aerospace and UK defence organisations.

With over 600 successfully completed engineering projects across 70 fixed-wing and rotary platforms, UAVs, drones and land systems, AFD delivers robust and technically-advanced solutions that drive the industry forward.

Headquartered in cutting-edge engineering facilities in North West England, AFD Systems is committed to engineering excellence, continuous improvement and a purpose to address complex challenges that contribute to a safer, more secure world.

Why choose AFD Systems?

AFD Systems acts as a seamless extension of client teams, combining advanced digital manufacturing technologies with deep engineering insight to accelerate project outcomes. Clients choose AFD Systems for:

Agile and efficient delivery
Reliable, trusted collaboration
High-quality, repeatable output
On-time, on-budget performance

our approach

Our approach is guided by a consistent set of values that ensures every project aligns with our clients’ mission goals:

CUSTOMER-CENTRIC | From beginning to end
INTEGRITY | In all that we do
INNOVATION | To remain in front
ONE TEAM | Making us stronger together

Standards and accreditations

AFD Systems is fully accredited and certified to deliver additive manufacturing solutions across a range of tightly controlled sectors. Our operations adhere to the following standards:

Related Case Studies

With 600+ projects across 70 platforms including fixed-wing, rotary, UAVs, drones and land systems, AFD delivers advanced solutions that drive industries forward.

AIRBUS H135 Human External Cargo Load Carrying System

Medical Case study

A third case study

Another Case study

Case Study Example

It was important for Eirtech to create an optimum design team for this high-profile project and involving AFD from the out-set was a ‘no brainer’ for such a complex structural installation. They impressed from start to finish!

Keith McKercher
Director of Engineering, Eirtech Aviation Services

Sectors

In the primary sectors, we provide engineering solutions for new design, modifications, repairs and reverse engineering for major airlines, special mission platform operators, military fleets, and VIP customers.

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We are available, ready and waiting to help customers solve complex engineering problems, across an array of specialised sectors.

Our teams of experts are here to help you deliver optimal solutions, designs and products.

Who we are

What we do

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Agile, lightweight and intelligent production tooling

AFD Systems delivers innovative tooling solutions that enable the accurate and efficient manufacture of components, systems and assemblies across aerospace and defence applications.

Excellence in tooling solutions

Our process and methodology

AFD Systems is a market-leading advanced engineering and manufacturing business, trusted by global aerospace and UK defence organisations.

AFD Systems acts as a seamless extension of client teams, combining advanced digital manufacturing technologies with deep engineering insight to accelerate project outcomes. Clients choose AFD Systems for:

Our approach is guided by a consistent set of values that ensures every project aligns with our clients’ mission goals:

AFD Systems is fully accredited and certified to deliver additive manufacturing solutions across a range of tightly controlled sectors. Our operations adhere to the following standards:

Related Case Studies

Sectors

Start your project

Trusted by organisations across the world