What's Happening?
GKN Aerospace, in collaboration with the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), has launched a new initiative called the Titanium Industrialization and Technology Advancement for Near-net Additive
Manufacturing (TITAN-AM). This $8.4 million program aims to utilize wire-based laser metal deposition (LMD-w) for the production of large structural components required by next-generation aircraft. The program is structured around five key priorities, including scaling LMD-w processes, building material performance databases, developing computational tools, refining non-destructive inspection techniques, and validating these through real-world demonstrations. All activities will be conducted at GKN Aerospace’s Global Technology Centre in Fort Worth, Texas.
Why It's Important?
The TITAN-AM program represents a significant advancement in the field of additive manufacturing for aerospace structures. By leveraging LMD-w technology, the program aims to reduce material waste, shorten production timelines, and enhance the geometric freedom of component design. This initiative is crucial as it addresses the high costs and material wastage associated with traditional titanium manufacturing methods. The program's success could lead to more efficient production processes and potentially lower costs for aerospace manufacturers, thereby strengthening the U.S. defense and aerospace sectors.
What's Next?
The program will focus on demonstrating the practical applications of LMD-w technology in producing operational titanium structural components. As the program progresses, it is expected to provide valuable insights into the scalability of additive manufacturing technologies in aerospace production. The outcomes could influence future manufacturing strategies and policies within the aerospace industry, potentially leading to broader adoption of additive manufacturing techniques.
