Hangar X Studios

This Printer Can Save Aircraft Worth Millions | Aaron Hall


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In this episode of Hangar X Studios, host John Ramstead sits down with Aaron Hall, founder of Bifrost Manufacturing, to explore how this innovative company is redefining rapid prototyping through additive manufacturing. Broadcasting from The Hive in Grand Forks, North Dakota, the conversation dives into the startup's origins, their game-changing use of SAF and SLS 3D printing, and how their work is transforming timelines and costs across the drone, aerospace, agriculture, and defense industries.

Aaron shares how Bifrost evolved from solving urgent infrastructure problems for bitcoin mining to enabling advanced manufacturing solutions for major aerospace clients. With a focus on speed, customization, and iterative prototyping, Bifrost is paving the way for faster innovation, especially in the high-stakes world of drones and aircraft part replacement.

Episode Highlights
  • How Bifrost grew from a grassroots bitcoin infrastructure challenge

  • Transition from agriculture and automotive to drones and defense

  • Use of cutting-edge SAF (Selective Absorption Fusion) 3D printing technology

  • How their team rapidly produces durable, custom parts for startups and established firms

  • FAA process certification and the future of certified 3D-printed aircraft components

  • Game-changing implications for rapid prototyping in aerospace

  • Key Points with Timestamps
    • [00:00:00] Introduction to Bifrost and the need for rapid prototyping

    • [00:02:36] How Bifrost spun out from a bitcoin mining infrastructure problem

    • [00:03:11] Example: CNC-cut steel for hot aisle containment

    • [00:04:16] Clients like Cirrus Aircraft and LM Glass Fiber using Bifrost for tooling

    • [00:05:18] Why the classic car market flopped, but drones and agriculture took off

    • [00:06:22] Replacing parts for industrial snowblowers and tractors

    • [00:07:25] What SAF printing is and why it’s revolutionizing prototyping

    • [00:08:59] Comparing SAF with injection molding — cost and speed advantages

    • [00:09:47] Tools like Creaform blue laser scanners reduce engineering time

    • [00:10:47] Real-world use case: Replicating antique pistol for a veteran

    • [00:11:38] Strength and durability of SAF-printed nylon parts

    • [00:12:08] Bifrost's 3D-printed racing drones for education and engagement

    • [00:12:36] What’s next: FAA process certification, DARPA targets, and R&D growth

    • [00:14:23] Grand Forks ecosystem: from hobbyists to funded aerospace startups

    • Guest Bio: Aaron Hall

      Aaron Hall is the founder of Bifrost Manufacturing, a company specializing in rapid prototyping and additive manufacturing for startups, defense contractors, and aerospace innovators. Based in Grand Forks, ND, Aaron started Bifrost to solve immediate hardware challenges in the cryptocurrency space but quickly pivoted into high-precision, fast-turnaround solutions for more complex industries.

      With clients like Cirrus Aircraft and LM Glass Fiber, and a team that includes veterans from Northrop Grumman, Bifrost is pioneering a faster, more flexible approach to producing certified, field-ready components for everything from drones to hypersonic systems.

      https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-hall-671841280/

      About Bifrost Manufacturing

      Bifrost Manufacturing is a cutting-edge additive manufacturing company based in Grand Forks, North Dakota, specializing in rapid prototyping and custom part production for aerospace, defense, and industrial applications. Founded to address urgent infrastructure challenges in emerging tech sectors, Bifrost leverages advanced technologies like SAF and SLS 3D printing to deliver fast, durable, and cost-effective solutions. By dramatically reducing engineering and turnaround time, the company supports startups and established enterprises alike in accelerating innovation, from drone components to certified aircraft parts.

       

      Notable Quotes

      “Being an entrepreneur, you want to do something maybe an old way, but also break into a new marketplace.” – Aaron Hall

      “Everybody else is moving in chunks of three to six months. We’re trying to move in days.” – Aaron Hall

      “You could scan it, fix it in CAD, print it, and you’re back to prototyping — instead of waiting months.” – John Ramstead

      “The FAA is thinking differently now — instead of certifying individual parts, they’re looking at certifying processes.” – Aaron Hall

      “This whole industry evolves very rapidly. You have to adapt or get left behind.” – Aaron Hall

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      Hangar X StudiosBy John Ramstead