GKN Aerospace Achieves Nadcap Accreditation for Laser Wire Directed Energy Deposition Technology
Written with artificial intelligence.
GKN Aerospace has received Nadcap accreditation for its Laser Wire Directed Energy Deposition technology at its Trollhättan facility, marking a significant advancement in metal additive manufacturing for the aerospace and defense sectors. This accreditation ensures that GKN's manufacturing processes meet rigorous industry standards.
GKN Aerospace Receives Key Accreditation
GKN Aerospace has announced that it has achieved Nadcap accreditation for its Laser Wire Directed Energy Deposition (L-DED-w) technology at its facility in Trollhättan. This milestone is seen as a pivotal step towards the industrialization of metal additive manufacturing specifically tailored for aerospace and defense applications.
Nadcap, which stands for National Aerospace and Defense Contractors Accreditation Program, is a prominent accreditation program in the aerospace industry. It verifies that manufacturing processes adhere to stringent quality, traceability, and process control standards. This independent recognition is particularly crucial as GKN Aerospace has already produced fully certified additively manufactured components that are currently in use in operational aircraft.
The company anticipates that this accreditation will expedite the integration of L-DED-w technology into large-scale aircraft production. Sébastien Aknouche, Business Area Manager for Material Solutions at GKN Aerospace, emphasized that reliable partnerships are essential for bringing new manufacturing technologies into industrial production. He noted that the Nadcap accreditation strengthens GKN's position for broader adoption of L-DED-w within the aerospace and defense sectors.
Obtaining this accreditation involved a thorough examination of GKN Aerospace's process controls, work procedures, personnel qualifications, equipment, and material handling protocols. In line with its commitment to advancing additive manufacturing capabilities, GKN Aerospace invested over SEK 600 million in a new manufacturing facility in Trollhättan in 2024.