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GKN Aerospace and Materialise partner to Propel Additive Manufacturing in Aviation

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  • Collaboration Set to Accelerate Certification of Additively Manufactured Parts.
The partnership between GKN Aerospace and Materialise will propel additive manufacturing in aviation sector
The partnership between GKN Aerospace and Materialise will propel additive manufacturing in aviation sector/Source: Materialise

GKN Aerospace, a well-known aerospace technology leader, and Materialise, a global pioneer in 3D printing solutions and services, have signed a letter of intent (LOI) to advance additive manufacturing in aviation industry. The collaboration will aid in the advancement of research, design, and manufacturing of polymer additively manufactured (AM) parts for the aviation industry. The letter of intent was signed at the Paris Air Show and is an extension of their successful collaboration.

Materialise has been a polymer AM supplier to GKN Aerospace since 2015, and has assisted in the delivery of the additively manufactured wingtip for Eviation’s Alice, the world’s largest all-electric aircraft, which took to the skies in 2022.

Partnership to Propel Additive Manufacturing in Aviation

Materialise 3D printed wingtip for Eviation’s Alice
Materialise 3D printed wingtip for Eviation’s Alice/Source: Materialise

GKN Aerospace and Materialise intend to collaborate to accelerate AM process certification and push the boundaries of additive production of functional and flight-critical aerostructures by leveraging its unique manufacturing benefits.

The collaboration ranges from prototyping to the production of functional and flight-critical parts, all while aligning with emerging sustainability trends and opportunities in the industry. The partnership will concentrate on electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in particular.

The collaboration of GKN Aerospace and Materialise has already enabled significant AM milestones, such as the successful delivery and certification of multiple AM parts that are currently flying.

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

– Jurgen Laudus, Vice President of Materialise Manufacturing

The potential for additive manufacturing to revolutionise the aviation industry is significant, with the ability to create lighter and stronger parts that were previously unattainable with conventional manufacturing technologies, while also saving time and money during the manufacturing process.  

“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.”

– Russ Brigham, Programme Director at GKN Aerospace

GKN Aerospace and Materialise bring complementary manufacturing experience in a variety of additive manufacturing technologies. Materialise, a pioneer in the production of certified parts for various industries, offers EASA 21.G-certified flying parts, software solutions, and consultancy services to the aerospace industry. GKN Aerospace, a global additive manufacturing technology leader, 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.


About Manufactur3D Magazine: Manufactur3D is an online magazine on 3D Printing. Visit our Global News page for more updates on Global 3D Printing News. To stay up-to-date about the latest happenings in the 3D printing world, like us on Facebook or follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

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Manufactur3D is an Indian Online 3D Printing Media Platform that reports on the latest news, insights and analysis from the Indian and the Global 3D Printing Industry.
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