- GKN is already an Additive Manufacturing (AM) leader, with AM parts flying on civil, military, business jets and space aircraft, and AM parts driving in cars today, as well as a world-leading powder business: Powder Metallurgy
- GKN Additive website launched as part of the ‘statement of intent’
Global aerospace and automotive engineering Group GKN has pulled its global Additive Manufacturing (AM) activity together into one new brand: GKN Additive.
GKN has been a global leader in AM for decades, with aerospace components produced, certified and flying on seven major platforms today, and AM parts driving in today’s cars. GKN is also a specialist powder producer through its Powder Metallurgy division.
Operating from global centres of excellence in four countries, GKN Additive will act as the focal point for all this activity in the future, ensuring GKN continues to push the boundaries of the technology and strengthens the Group’s position as a global AM leader. GKN’s dual expertise both in powder production and manufacturing enables transformative and competitive solutions for its customers.
Jos Sclater, Head of Strategy at GKN, said: “GKN Additive is an incredibly exciting venture and the potential applications for the technology are endless. The benefits of AM are significant, both for our customers and the world around us in terms of greener, more efficient production. There is also a tangible feeling that manufacturing is suddenly a very exciting place to be for the brightest and best engineering talent. That is great for the future of the industry and I am delighted that GKN Additive will be at the forefront of this revolution.”
Producing AM components for industrial use requires four essential elements: understanding of the raw materials (metal powder); process knowledge to decide which AM technology to use (for example selective laser sintering, powder bed or laser metal deposition); manufacturing expertise to produce the component itself; and finally the ability to certify or qualify the parts for use in industry.
Jos Sclater continued: “Thanks to our specialist powder business, Hoeganaes, and based on our 250 years of manufacturing and engineering experience, GKN is outstandingly placed to continue to lead in all four areas. And by bringing our AM expertise together in GKN Additive, we are not only able to continue supporting existing customers in our core aerospace and automotive markets, but also to explore entirely new AM markets too. It is an exciting step for GKN and a statement of our AM intent.”
More information on GKN Additive can be found on the new website.
Editor’s Notes:
GKN plc is a global engineering group. It has three divisions: GKN Aerospace, GKN Driveline and GKN Powder Metallurgy, which operate in the aerospace and automotive markets. Over 58,000 people work in GKN companies and joint ventures in more than 30 countries. GKN is listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE: GKN) and recorded sales of £9.4 billion in the year to 31 December 2016.
GKN Additive combines advanced 3D printing technology with a strong heritage in aerospace and automotive engineering. With centres of excellence in four countries focusing on everything from powder production to manufacturing and final part certification, GKN Additive offers a complete Additive Manufacturing (AM) solution for its global customer base. GKN Additive’s engineers help overcome challenges with creative solutions, adding value and solving problems across a range of industries every day.
For further information, on this release please contact:
Dan Kendrick, Communications Director
TEL: +44 1527 533335 Mobile: +44 7979 453400. Email: daniel.kendrick@gkn.com
