# GKN Aerospace’s Trollhättan site gets Nadcap accreditation for wire-based 3D printing

- Source: Nordic Defence Sector (https://nordicdefencesector.com)
- Canonical URL: https://nordicdefencesector.com/en/article/gkn-aerospaces-trollhattan-site-gets-nadcap-accreditation-for-wire-based-3d-printing
- Published: 2026-10-29
- Author: Daniel Trangeled
- Type: News · Section: Industry · Country: sweden
- Language: en (original)
- Also available in: de (https://nordicdefencesector.com/de/article/gkn-aerospaces-trollhattan-site-gets-nadcap-accreditation-for-wire-based-3d-printing.md), dk (https://nordicdefencesector.com/dk/article/gkn-aerospaces-trollhattan-site-gets-nadcap-accreditation-for-wire-based-3d-printing.md), es (https://nordicdefencesector.com/es/article/gkn-aerospaces-trollhattan-site-gets-nadcap-accreditation-for-wire-based-3d-printing.md), fi (https://nordicdefencesector.com/fi/article/gkn-aerospaces-trollhattan-site-gets-nadcap-accreditation-for-wire-based-3d-printing.md), fr (https://nordicdefencesector.com/fr/article/gkn-aerospaces-trollhattan-site-gets-nadcap-accreditation-for-wire-based-3d-printing.md), it (https://nordicdefencesector.com/it/article/gkn-aerospaces-trollhattan-site-gets-nadcap-accreditation-for-wire-based-3d-printing.md), no (https://nordicdefencesector.com/no/article/gkn-aerospaces-trollhattan-site-gets-nadcap-accreditation-for-wire-based-3d-printing.md), pl (https://nordicdefencesector.com/pl/article/gkn-aerospaces-trollhattan-site-gets-nadcap-accreditation-for-wire-based-3d-printing.md), sv (https://nordicdefencesector.com/sv/article/gkn-aerospaces-trollhattan-site-gets-nadcap-accreditation-for-wire-based-3d-printing.md)
- Primary source: https://www.mynewsdesk.com/se/gkn-aerospace-sweden/pressreleases/gkn-aerospace-foerst-i-vaerlden-med-nadcap-ackrediterad-3d-printingmetod-foer-flygindustrin-3474910?utm_campaign=send_list
- Tags: gkn aerospace, trollhättan, nadcap, additive manufacturing, laser wire directed energy deposition, aerospace defence

> GKN Aerospace's Trollhättan site has become the first in the world to receive Nadcap accreditation for laser wire directed energy deposition, a metal additive manufacturing process, strengthening its foundation for broader use in aerospace and defence production. The milestone follows a SEK 600 million investment in 2024 to industrialise additive manufacturing at the Swedish facility.

![Additive manufacturing cell at GKN Aerospace in Trollhättan](https://imagedelivery.net/XO8UY-c6-LfWgEjQsN8IQw/cc3546f9-f49d-4bcd-03a5-d3ab63036d00/public)
*Additive manufacturing cell at GKN Aerospace in Trollhättan · GKN Aerospace*

**GKN Aerospace’s site in Trollhättan, Sweden, [has received](https://www.mynewsdesk.com/se/gkn-aerospace-sweden/pressreleases/gkn-aerospace-foerst-i-vaerlden-med-nadcap-ackrediterad-3d-printingmetod-foer-flygindustrin-3474910) 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](https://www.mynewsdesk.com/se/gkn-aerospace-sweden/pressreleases/gkn-aerospace-investerar-600-miljoner-kronor-i-mer-haallbar-produktion-och-erhaaller-maangmiljonstoed-av-industriklivet-3296167) 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.

## FAQ

**What accreditation did GKN Aerospace's Trollhättan site receive for 3D printing?**

GKN Aerospace's Trollhättan site received Nadcap accreditation for laser wire directed energy deposition, a metal additive manufacturing process. GKN says it is the first site in the world accredited for this method, strengthening its foundation for broader L-DED-w use in aerospace and defence. Last fact-checked: 2026-10-29.

**What does the Nadcap audit for L-DED-w cover at GKN Aerospace?**

The Nadcap audit covered process controls, work procedures, staff qualifications and equipment at the Trollhättan site. It also examined material handling and traceability. Sébastien Aknouche, head of GKN Aerospace's Material Solutions business area, called the accreditation an important step for robust, repeatable additive manufacturing processes. Last fact-checked: 2026-10-29.

**How is GKN Aerospace expanding additive manufacturing at its Trollhättan site?**

In 2024, GKN invested SEK 600 million in a new Trollhättan factory to industrialise additive manufacturing. The company has already delivered fully certified additively manufactured components used in flying products, and says the Nadcap accreditation will support more L-DED-w applications in full-scale aircraft production. Last fact-checked: 2026-10-29.

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