GKN Aerospace has received Nadcap accreditation for its Laser Wire Directed Energy Deposition (L-DED-w) technology at its Trollhättan site.
The company believes the accreditation marks a major milestone in the industrialisation of metal additive manufacturing for aerospace and defence applications. Nadcap is one of the aerospace industry's most recognised accreditation programs for speciality processes and verifies that manufacturing processes meet high standards for quality, traceability and process control.
While GKN Aerospace has already designed, developed and delivered fully certified, additively manufactured components used in flying products, this accreditation will provide independent and industry-recognised verification of its L-DED-w manufacturing processes.
The company expects the accreditation to help accelerate the application of L-DED-w in full-scale aircraft production.
“Our customers are looking for reliable partners who can help them bring new manufacturing technologies into industrial production. Additive manufacturing requires robust and repeatable processes. The Nadcap accreditation is an important step and gives us a stronger foundation for wider use of L-DED-w in the aerospace and defence industry,” said Sébastien Aknouche, Business Area Manager, Material Solutions, GKN Aerospace.
The accreditation was obtained after a comprehensive review of GKN Aerospace's process controls, work procedures, personnel qualifications, equipment, and materials handling and traceability.
In 2024, GKN Aerospace invested over SEK 600 million in a new factory facility in Trollhättan to industrialise additive manufacturing.
