GKN Aerospace has positioned an order for two large-format steel additive manufacturing programs from Nikon SLM Options.
The tier 1 aerospace provider says the pair of NXG XII 600 12-laser 3D printers symbolize a “key milestone” in its mission to create “higher, extra sustainable aerospace merchandise,” and will likely 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 gives us entry to cutting-edge additive manufacturing capabilities essential to propel us in the direction of our internet zero ambition.”
GKN Aerospace operates 38 manufacturing amenities throughout 12 international locations and is claimed to cater to over 90% of worldwide plane and engine producers. Final yr the corporate introduced plans to rework its US additive manufacturing centre of excellence into its 4th International Expertise Centre in an effort develop its titanium 3D printing capabilities for aerospace prospects. This newest machine order builds on GKN Aerospace’s funding in large-format steel 3D printing, which just lately noticed the fee of its Cell 3 laser steel deposition with wire (LMD-w) system in Texas, mentioned to allow the improvement of five-metre titanium elements.
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 finally yr’s Formnext, which is claimed to be able to printing components 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.
