GKN Aerospace, Materialise Partnering to Propel Additive Manufacturing in Aviation

GKN Aerospace, a aerospace technology provider, and Materialise, a provider of 3D printing solutions and services, have signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) aimed at advancing the research, design and production of polymer additively manufactured (AM) parts for the aviation industry. The LOI was signed at the Paris Air Show and represents an extension of their successful collaboration. 

Materialise has been a supplier of polymer AM to GKN Aerospace since 2015, and supported the delivery of the additively manufactured wing tip for Eviation’s Alice, the world's largest all-electric aircraft, which made its maiden flight in 2022. 

Together, GKN Aerospace and Materialise aim to accelerate the certification of the AM process and push the boundaries of additive production of functional and flight-critical aerostructures, leveraging its manufacturing benefits.

The collaboration ranges from prototyping to the production of functional and flight-critical parts, aligning with the industry’s emerging sustainability trends and opportunities. In particular, the partnership will focus on electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. 

GKN Aerospace and Materialise’s collaboration has already enabled significant AM milestones, including the successful delivery and certification of multiple AM parts that are flying today. “This powerful alliance aims to leverage our combined expertise and the exceptional benefits of 3D printing to push the boundaries of innovation in the aeronautics industry,” says Jurgen Laudus, Vice President of Materialise Manufacturing. Together, the partners say they are are working to drive technological advancements, respond more effectively to customer requirements and shape the future of aerospace manufacturing.

“Materialise is a valued AM supplier for GKN Aerospace and partnering with them on this groundbreaking technology has been a success for both companies,” says Russ Brigham, GKN Aerospace program director. “AM is out there and flying on aircraft around the world today, and will be critical to achieve a more sustainable future of flight ahead.”

The potential for AM to revolutionize the aviation industry is significant, with the creation of lighter and stronger parts that were previously unachievable with conventional manufacturing technologies, while also offering time and cost reductions during the manufacturing process.  

GKN Aerospace and Materialise bring complementary manufacturing experience across multiple AM printing technologies. Materialise has more than three decades of experience. It has helped pioneer the production of certified parts for various industries and provides EASA 21.G-certified flying parts, software solution and consultancy services for the aerospace industry. GKN Aerospace, a global technology provider in AM, has load-bearing AM structures certified and in serial production, as well as numerous other AM parts flying today for commercial, military, rotorcraft and space applications.

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