GKN Aerospace and Materialise team on additive manufacturing in aviation

PARIS - GKN Aerospace in Reddich, U.K. and Materialise, a company focused on 3D printing solutions and services in Leuven, Belguim, have announced that the pair 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 June's Paris Air Show.

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

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, we aim to drive technological advancements, respond more effectively to customer requirements, and shape the future of aerospace manufacturing.”

Russ Brigham, Program 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.”