GKN Aerospace, a specialty aerospace company, and Materialise, a 3D printing solutions and services company, have announced the signing of a Letter of Intent (LOI) to advance the research, design and production of additively manufactured polymer parts for the aerospace industry.
This deepens a collaboration that has been in place since 2015. One of their successes was the delivery of the additively manufactured wingtip for the world’s largest all-electric aircraft, Eviations Alice.
Together, the companies aim to accelerate AM process certification and push boundaries in additive manufacturing of functional and flight-critical structures. Their focus is on sustainability and electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.
“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.”
Russ Brigham, Programme Director at GKN Aerospace said: “Materialise is a valued AM supplier for GKN Aerospace, and partnering with them on this ground-breaking technology has been a success for both companies. 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.”
Materialise and GKN Aerospace bring their extensive experience in various AM printing technologies. Their shared mission: to revolutionize the aerospace industry through lighter, stronger parts and cost savings in the manufacturing process.
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