GKN Aerospace has positioned an order for two large-format metallic additive manufacturing techniques from Nikon SLM Options.
The tier 1 aerospace provider says the pair of NXG XII 600 12-laser 3D printers characterize a “key milestone” in its mission to create “higher, extra sustainable aerospace merchandise,” and will probably be used to construct merchandise in In718 and Ti64.
“Partnering with Nikon SLM Options is a key milestone in our journey to create higher, extra sustainable aerospace merchandise,” said Martin Thordén, VP of Permanova, the newly shaped enterprise unit for materials options inside GKN Aerospace. “This collaboration supplies us entry to cutting-edge additive manufacturing capabilities essential to propel us in direction of our web zero ambition.”
GKN Aerospace operates 38 manufacturing amenities throughout 12 nations and is alleged to cater to over 90% of world plane and engine producers. Final yr the corporate introduced plans to remodel its US additive manufacturing centre of excellence into its 4th World Expertise Centre in an effort increase its titanium 3D printing capabilities for aerospace clients. This newest machine order builds on GKN Aerospace’s funding in large-format metallic 3D printing, which not too long ago noticed the fee of its Cell 3 laser metallic deposition with wire (LMD-w) system in Texas, mentioned to allow the improvement of five-metre titanium parts.
Sam O’Leary, CEO of Nikon SLM Options mentioned: “Nikon SLM Options is honoured to hitch forces with GKN Aerospace. Integrating our NXG XII 600 system symbolises the way forward for aerospace, pushed by modern expertise. As we step into this pivotal part, our joint capabilities will undoubtedly set new benchmarks in aerospace manufacturing.”
Nikon-owned Nikon SLM Options launched the NXG XII 600 machine in late 2020. It has since introduced an prolonged NXG XII 600E model, and teased a fair greater machine eventually yr’s Formnext, which is alleged to be able to printing elements as much as 3.0 x 1.2 x 1.2 metres. Its large-format machines have already been put in by customers like Divergent Applied sciences, Sintavia, and Collins Aerospace.
