GKN Aerospace and Materialise have signed a letter of intent (LOI) at the Paris Air Show to collaborate on advancing additive manufacturing (AM) in the aviation industry. The LOI extends their successful partnership and aims to enhance the research, design, and production of polymer AM parts for aircraft. Materialise has been a supplier of polymer AM to GKN Aerospace since 2015 and was involved in the delivery of the additively manufactured wingtip for Eviation’s Alice, the largest all-electric aircraft that made its maiden flight in 2022.
The collaboration between GKN Aerospace and Materialise seeks to expedite the certification of the AM process and explore the possibilities of producing functional and flight-critical aerostructures using additive manufacturing techniques. The partnership will particularly focus on electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, aligning with the industry’s growing sustainability trends.
The combined expertise of GKN Aerospace and Materialise has already achieved significant milestones in AM, including the successful delivery and certification of multiple AM parts currently in use on aircraft. The potential of AM to revolutionize the aviation industry is immense, offering the creation of lighter and stronger parts that were previously unattainable with traditional manufacturing methods, as well as time and cost reductions in the production process.
Both companies bring complementary manufacturing experience in various AM printing technologies. Materialise, with over three decades of experience, pioneers the production of certified parts for multiple industries, including the aerospace sector. They provide certified flying parts, software solutions, and consultancy services. GKN Aerospace, as a global technology leader in additive manufacturing, has already certified load-bearing AM structures and other AM parts in serial production for commercial, military, rotorcraft, and space applications.
The collaboration between GKN Aerospace and Materialise aims to leverage the benefits of 3D printing and drive innovation in the aeronautics industry, shaping the future of aerospace manufacturing. By pushing the boundaries of AM, the partnership seeks to respond effectively to customer requirements and contribute to a more sustainable future of flight.
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