GKN Aerospace (GKN) is a leading multi-technology tier one aerospace supplier, serving over 90% of the world’s aircraft and engine manufacturers. In the last 30 years, the GKN Aerospace team has also earned a reputation as a leader in additive manufacturing technology for the commercial, military and space markets.
The team at the company’s Filton manufacturing site is responsible for producing and supplying production tools and prototypes to multiple areas of the business. When faced with the need to reduce costly production line downtime, as well as deliver the most fully- functional, ultra-realistic prototypes possible, GKN’s additive manufacturing polymer specialist, Rachel Trimble, turned to 3D printing. Trimble believes the technology is a solution that could meet both objectives as well as prepare GKN for the future.
Besides tooling, GKN regularly uses its Fortus 900mc for rapid prototyping. One of its most successful cases was the creation of a fully- functional aircraft windscreen housing. The team was on a tight deadline to produce the housing for a product launch event but it was still incomplete just days before the launch.
“In a matter of hours, we were able to produce a prototype of this windscreen housing on the Fortus 900mc,” said Trimble.
“The prototype produced was so realistic and so accurate that the launch team was not only able to go ahead with the event but the feedback received confirmed that the 3D printed housing was almost indistinguishable from the real thing.”
Trimble anticipates a greater move towards the use of FDM additive manufacturing for high- value, flight-critical, end-use composite parts. “By harnessing Stratasys additive manufacturing for tooling and prototyping, we are enjoying both time and cost savings, among other benefits, all while simultaneously preparing ourselves for the future,” said Trimble.
