I needed a lightweight,  impact resistant, streamlined fairing for a flying robot.    I could 3d print a part with the right shape,  but 3d printed materials would either be  too weak,  or too heavy.   I’ve been considering a hybrid workflow which this was the perfect opportunity to try out:     3d printing a mold for composite layup.

It worked wonderfully!   The mold printed overnight,    and after some sanding primer was applied and sanded down to a 600 grit finish,  I waxed the mold,  and it was ready to invest with fabric.   I vacuum bagged the parts  for good consolidation,  and am very pleased with the results,  shown above.