What's Happening?
GKN Aerospace has partnered with the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) to launch the Titanium Industrialization and Technology Advancement for Near-net Additive Manufacturing (TITAN-AM) program, with an investment of $8.4 million. The initiative
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: scaling LMD-w processes for oversized titanium parts, building material performance databases, developing advanced 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 applications. By focusing on the production of large titanium components, the program addresses the industry's need for materials that offer a high strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance. This initiative is expected to reduce material waste and production timelines, while also enhancing the geometric freedom of component design. The program's success could lead to broader adoption of LMD-w technology, potentially transforming manufacturing processes in the aerospace sector and reducing reliance on traditional, more wasteful methods.
What's Next?
The program will proceed with hands-on demonstrations to validate the developed technologies and processes. As the program progresses, it is likely to attract attention from other aerospace manufacturers interested in adopting LMD-w technology. The outcomes of the TITAN-AM program could influence future manufacturing standards and practices within the aerospace industry, potentially leading to further collaborations and investments in additive manufacturing technologies.
