GKN backs electron beam melting technique

Aerospace giant thinks additive manufacturing will revolutionise titanium component production

GKN Aerospace has thrown its support behind an additive manufacturing process that could 'revolutionise' the production of very precise, complex, small to medium-sized components.

The aerospace giant has entered a strategic partnership with additive engineering specialist Arcam AB to develop and industrialise a technique knows as electron beam melting (EBM), a process in which metal components are built up, layer-by-layer, using a metal powder that is melted by a powerful electron beam.

As part of the agreement, GKN has ordered two Arcam Q20 EBM machines to be installed at its additive manufacturing centre in Bristol. Engineers from both organisations will then 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.

Russ Dunn, senior vice president engineering and technology, said: “We have been working with Arcam for some time exploring what we believe to be one of the most promising of the additive processes. Our aim has been to fully understand how EBM can be applied to our future aerostructures and aero engines portfolio. Our combined additive manufacturing teams will now take the next steps towards fully industrialising this AM technology.”

He added: “We believe the array of processes that fall under the ‘additive’ umbrella will revolutionise manufacturing across every industrial sector - particularly in aerospace where cost, weight and performance are critical. Drawing on GKN Powder Metallurgy’s experience and our own extensive aerospace expertise we aim to develop a roadmap that will industrialise additive manufacturing for this sector.”

The agreement forms part of the GKN group’s additive manufacturing research and development initiative. Within the GKN Aerospace business, four dedicated global AM development centres have been established in North America and Europe each clearly focused on progressing specific additive processes and technologies.

Other technologies being researched include plasma and wire and laser powder bed.