GKN Aerospace becomes first to secure Nadcap accreditation for Laser Wire DED
GKN Aerospace’s facility in Trollhättan, Sweden, has reportedly become the first company worldwide to achieve Nadcap accreditation for Laser Wire Directed Energy Deposition (L-DED-w). The accreditation provides independent, industry-recognised validation of the company’s L-DED-w manufacturing processes and is expected to support broader industrial adoption of the technology in aerospace and defence applications.
Nadcap is an aerospace industry accreditation programme for special processes, assessing compliance with requirements for quality, traceability and process control. GKN Aerospace achieved accreditation following a comprehensive audit covering its process controls, operating procedures, personnel qualifications, equipment, material control and traceability.
GKN Aerospace has already designed, developed and delivered fully certified components produced using Additive Manufacturing, which are currently in flight. The company expects the accreditation to support the introduction of further L-DED-w applications into full aerospace production.
“Our customers are looking for trusted partners that can help industrialise advanced manufacturing technologies,” stated Sébastien Aknouche, SVP Material Solutions at GKN Aerospace. “For Additive Manufacturing, that means having robust and repeatable processes that can support the move into industrial production. Nadcap accreditation is an important step in that journey, giving us a stronger foundation for broader application of L-DED-w across aerospace and defence.”
