GKN Aerospace has signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) with 3D printing company, Materialise, 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 collaboration. Materialise has supplied polymer AM to GKN since 2015 and has supported delivery of the AM wingtip for Eviation’s all-electric Alice aircraft.
Together, GKN and Materialise aim to accelerate the certification of the AM process and push the boundaries of additive production of functional and flight-critical aerostructures.
The collaboration ranges from prototyping to production of parts, aligning with the industry’s emerging sustainability trends and opportunities. It will particularly focus on eVTOL aircraft.
The partnership has already enabled significant AM milestones, like the successful delivery and certification of multiple AM parts that are currently in use.
The potential of AM to revolutionise the aviation industry is significant, with the creation of lighter and stronger parts that were previously unachievable with conventional manufacturing technologies, while offering time and cost reductions during the process.
“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, we aim to drive technological advancements, respond more effectively to customer requirements, and shape the future of aerospace manufacturing.”