GKN Aerospace and Materialise Partner to Propel Additive Manufacturing in Aviation

GKN Aerospace and Materialise have signed a letter of intent to advancing the research, design and production of polymer additively manufactured (AM) parts for the aviation industry. The LOI wrepresents an extension of their collaboration. Materialise has supplied polymer AM to GKN Aerospace since 2015 and supported the delivery of the additively manufactured wingtip for Eviation’s Alice, an all-electric aircraft, which made its maiden flight in 2022.

The collaboration ranges from prototyping to the production of functional and flight-critical parts. In particular, the partnership will focus on 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.”

“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,” says Russ Brigham, program director at GKN Aerospace. “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.”

GKN Aerospace and Materialise bring complementary manufacturing experience across multiple AM printing technologies. Materialise, with over three decades of experience, pioneers the production of certified parts for various industries and provides EASA 21.G-certified flying parts, software solutions and consultancy services for the aerospace industry. GKN Aerospace 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.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.

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