Arcam AB, Sweden, and GKN Aerospace, U.K., have formed a new Joint Technology Development Partnership to fully industrialize additive manufacturing for aerospace applications using Arcam’s electron beam melting (EBM) technology. GKN Aerospace and Arcam engineers plan to work together to create the next generation of EBM equipment able to manufacture complex titanium structures at the high volumes required to meet future demand.
In the Arcam EBM process, fully dense metal components are built up, layer-by-layer of metal powder, melted by a powerful electron beam. Each layer is melted to the exact geometry defined by a CAD model.
“We have been working with Arcam for some time exploring what we believe to be one of the most promising of the additive processes,” stated Russ Dunn, Senior Vice President Engineering & Technology, GKN Aerospace.
“Our aim has been to fully understand how EBM can be applied to our future aero structures and aero engines portfolio. Through this new strategic partnership with Arcam, our combined additive manufacturing teams will now take the next steps towards fully industrializing this AM technology.”
The agreement forms part of the GKN group’s major AM research and development initiative. technologies. GKN Aerospace has established four dedicated global AM development centers in North America and Europe, each clearly focused on progressing specific additive processes.
GKN Aerospace also placed an order for two Arcam Q20 EBM systems to be installed at GKN Aerospace’s Bristol, U.K., additive manufacturing center. The Arcam Q20 provides a build envelope of 350×380 mm and is suited to manufacturing of a wide range of aerospace related components such as turbine blades and structural airframe components.
