GKN Aerospace’s site in Trollhättan, Sweden, has received Nadcap accreditation for laser wire directed energy deposition (L-DED-w). L-DED-w is a metal additive manufacturing process. According to GKN Aerospace, it is the first site in the world accredited for the method.
— Additive manufacturing requires robust and repeatable processes. The Nadcap accreditation is an important step and gives us a stronger foundation for broader use of L-DED-w in the aerospace and defence industry, says Sébastien Aknouche, head of GKN Aerospace’s Material Solutions business area.
Nadcap is an aerospace industry accreditation programme for special processes. The audit covered process controls, work procedures, staff qualifications and equipment. It also covered material handling and traceability.
GKN says it has already designed, developed and delivered fully certified additively manufactured components that are now used in flying products. The company says the accreditation will help it bring more L-DED-w applications into full-scale aircraft production.
In 2024, GKN invested SEK 600 million in a new Trollhättan factory to industrialise additive manufacturing. GKN Aerospace Sweden has about 2,000 employees. Trollhättan is the headquarters and development centre for the group’s aero-engine business.