GKN Aerospace has integrated the AM Explorer software platform from Interspectral into the additive manufacturing process at its Swedish site in Trollhättan. The aim is to improve process stability, quality assurance and resource efficiency in the production of engine components using metal 3D printing. The introduction of this software is part of a broader strategy to digitalize manufacturing and reduce emissions in the aviation industry.
AM Explorer offers 3D data visualization and AI-supported analysis functions, especially for metal additive manufacturing. In combination with the open data architectures of the Nikon SLM NXG XII 600 machines, the software can record and evaluate over 400 process parameters. This eliminates the need to develop in-house analysis tools. The data collected flows automatically into an AI model that has been trained on high-resolution machine images. This enables process deviations to be detected at an early stage and appropriate measures to be initiated.
Martin Thordén, GKN Aerospace, “Currently, aircraft engine components rely on large castings and forgings, with up to 80% of the material machined away before reaching the final form. By employing additive technology, which involves layer-by-layer construction using metal wire or powder fused together with lasers, GKN Aerospace can minimize raw material waste, energy within production. This significantly cuts emissions, costs and lead time.”
The close collaboration with Interspectral will not only support the system launch, but also the further development of new features, including AI-powered anomaly detection specifically tailored to large-format printing systems and highly stressed aerospace components.
Thomas Rydell, Product Development at Interspectral, stated, “We’re proud to support GKN Aerospace on their journey to industrialize additive manufacturing and contribute to a more sustainable aviation industry. Through close collaboration with the team in Trollhättan, we’re tackling real-world industry challenges—driving greater efficiency, automation, and cost savings.”
Martin Thordén GKN Aerospace, added, “AM Explorer enhances our manufacturing process by automating complex workflows and ensuring robust quality assurance. It supports our goal of scaling AM production while maintaining stringent aerospace industry standards.”
The implementation of AM Explorer at GKN Aerospace demonstrates how additive manufacturing can be made more precise, sustainable and economical through data-driven analysis.
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