(940) 233-8131

CAD Template Design for Aerospace MLI Programs

Before a single blanket is cut or assembled, accurate template geometry determines whether MLI will fit, install correctly, and perform as intended. AeroTemp develops CAD-based MLI templates that translate digital hardware data into fabrication-ready geometry for aerospace programs.

(940) 233-8131
CAD Template Design for Aerospace MLI Programs

Engineering Data

Why CAD Template Development Is a Dedicated Engineering Activity

MLI template development is not an extension of thermal analysis or blanket fabrication, it is a focused engineering process that bridges digital hardware geometry and physical blanket production. Without accurate templates, blanket patterns carry dimensional assumptions that surface as fit problems during installation, requiring rework that affects schedule and configuration control. AeroTemp approaches CAD template development as a standalone discipline, ensuring geometry is resolved in the digital environment before it creates problems on the assembly floor or during spacecraft integration.

  • Template inaccuracies create installation fit problems
  • Dimensional assumptions rarely translate to fabrication
  • Digital geometry resolution prevents integration rework
  • CAD templates provide controlled production reference

3D Template Development

From 3D Digital Assembly to Fabrication-Ready MLI Templates

AeroTemp begins with the latest available CAD files and hardware drawings, reviewing the digital assembly to establish blanket boundaries, seam locations, opening positions, penetration clearances, attachment zones, and areas requiring separate template sections. Template geometry is developed and refined against program constraints producing deliverables that fabrication, quality, and integration teams can use directly without reinterpreting design intent or resolving geometry conflicts at the hardware level.

  • Separate sections identified for complex areas
  • Blanket boundaries and seam locations established
  • Penetration clearances resolved during development
  • Deliverables usable by fabrication and integration teams

Complex Assembly Design

Template Geometry Developed Around Complex Aerospace Assemblies

Aerospace hardware assemblies present geometry challenges that cannot be resolved by scaling or adapting standard blanket patterns. Curved surfaces, closely positioned brackets, sensor protrusions, connector locations, harness paths, and access panel boundaries each affect where template edges, seams, and openings must be positioned. AeroTemp evaluates these relationships within the digital assembly developing template geometry that accounts for surrounding hardware conditions and gives downstream teams a reliable starting point for fabrication and fit verification.

  • Curved surfaces and protrusions resolved digitally
  • Connector and harness positions factored in
  • Template edges determined by hardware conditions
  • Reliable geometry delivered to fabrication teams

What to Provide for CAD Template Development

Accurate template geometry depends on current engineering data. Where available, provide:

  • Hardware configuration and revision status
  • Interface, clearance, and keep-out requirements
  • Current 3D CAD model and latest hardware drawings
  • Required MLI coverage areas and known penetrations
  • Required deliverable format and file type
  • Project schedule and integration milestones
  • Attachment requirements and program specifications
  • Existing MLI drawings or previous template references
Request CAD Template Design Support

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CAD MLI template design?
CAD MLI template design uses digital aerospace hardware models to develop the geometry required for thermal blanket development. AeroTemp can evaluate surfaces, interfaces, penetrations, access points, clearances, and surrounding components within the CAD assembly before the final blanket moves into fabrication or integration.
CAD-based template design can be a strong option when the digital model accurately represents the intended hardware configuration and physical access is limited or not yet available. On-site templating may be more appropriate when actual hardware includes changes or installation details that are not fully represented in CAD.
Yes. CAD template development can support curved surfaces, irregular structures, tight interfaces, protrusions, multiple penetrations, and other complicated hardware configurations. The digital model allows these relationships to be reviewed together while the blanket geometry is being developed.
Provide the latest available 3D model, relevant drawings, hardware revision, required MLI coverage, access restrictions, penetrations, clearances, attachment requirements, and applicable specifications. Clearly identifying the current hardware revision helps reduce confusion if multiple design configurations exist.
The completed template information can support downstream MLI blanket development, fabrication planning, drawing preparation, inspection, fit verification, and hardware integration. The exact deliverables and next steps depend on your project scope, configuration maturity, and the additional MLI services required.
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Get in Touch

Phone Number
(940) 233-8131
Email Address
info@atconsultllc.com
Office Address
11611 Whittier Rd, Bowie, MD 20721, USA