GKN Aerospace Achieves Nadcap Certification for Metal 3D Printing Process
Written with artificial intelligence.
GKN Aerospace has received Nadcap certification for its Direct Energy Deposition (DED) additive manufacturing process, marking a significant milestone in the aerospace and defense sectors. This certification enhances the industrialization of metal 3D printing, particularly in the context of aerospace manufacturing.
Overview of Nadcap Certification
GKN Aerospace has recently secured Nadcap accreditation for its Direct Energy Deposition (DED) manufacturing process. This certification is a first in the world and represents a crucial advancement for the aerospace and defense industries.
Nadcap, which stands for the National Aerospace and Defense Contractors Accreditation Program, certifies the mastery of special processes, such as welding and heat treatment. This accreditation is recognized globally by all major contractors and eliminates the need for individual audits that manufacturers previously required from their suppliers.
Importance of the Certification
The attainment of this certification for an additive manufacturing process is vital for the industrialization of DED, addressing a significant challenge in the aerospace sector: qualification and certification. GKN Aerospace's achievement demonstrates a concrete step towards maturity in this field, allowing metal 3D printing to become a more integral part of a demanding industry.
Details of the Accreditation
The Nadcap accreditation was awarded to GKN's facility in Trollhättan, Sweden, where the company invested 600 million Swedish kronor (approximately 55 million euros) in 2024 to enhance its additive manufacturing capabilities. The facility has already produced several 3D-printed parts currently in use. This accreditation is expected to accelerate further developments in the field.
Sébastien Aknouche, Senior Vice President of Material Solutions at GKN Aerospace, emphasized that clients are looking for reliable partners to help industrialize advanced manufacturing technologies. He noted that having robust and reproducible processes is essential for transitioning to industrial production, and the Nadcap accreditation provides a stronger foundation for broader applications of the L-DED-w technology in aerospace and defense sectors.