GKN Aerospace has launched a US$8.4 million program in partnership with the US Air Force Research Laboratory to industrialize wire-fed laser metal deposition technology for large-scale titanium aerostructures.
The Titanium Industrialization and Technology Advancement for Near-net Additive Manufacturing (TITAN-AM) program, a collaboration with the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), will target five critical areas to mature Laser Metal Deposition with Wire (LMD-w) for aerospace structural applications.
As part of TITAN-AM, the areas targeted for development include processes for large-scale titanium components, the development of robust material datasets, advanced simulation methods to optimize design and manufacturing outcomes, the use of non-destructive inspection techniques tailored for additive processes. Finally, there will be the technology will be demonstrated on selected structural components.
Work will be carried out at GKN Aerospace’s Global Technology Centre in Fort Worth, Texas, which serves as a hub for advanced manufacturing innovation and collaboration with US defense and aerospace partners.
David Bond, chief technology officer for airframes at GKN Aerospace said, “TITAN-AM represents a significant step forward in additive manufacturing for aerospace structures. By combining our deep manufacturing expertise with AFRL’s vision, we aim to accelerate the readiness of LMD-w technology and demonstrate its value on operational titanium structural components.”
GKN Aerospace has more than 20 years of experience in additive technologies and is already in serial production of major additively manufactured structures flying on in-service aircraft. These include the fan case mount ring for the Pratt & Whitney Geared Turbofan engine family, produced in Sweden and the USA and installed on platforms including the Airbus A220 and Embraer E195-E2.
By leveraging LMD-w, TITAN-AM aims to reduce material waste, shorten production lead times and increase design freedom for complex titanium aerostructures. GKN said that the program reinforces commitment to delivering lighter, stronger and more sustainable structural solutions for defense and commercial aerospace platforms.
