GKN Aerospace scales use of AM Explorer to advance aero engine manufacturing
June 3, 2025
GKN Aerospace Sweden AB, based in Trollhättan, Sweden, is reported to have integrated AM Explorer software from Interspectral AB into its Additive Manufacturing workflow. This software is a specialised platform designed to provide 3D visualisation and AI-driven analysis for metal AM, focused on improving quality control and resource optimisation.
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GKN Aerospace began using AM Explorer in early 2024 and is now ramping up its use to enhance production capabilities. GKN Aerospace and Interspectral are working closely together to develop new AI-powered anomaly detection functionality optimised for specific materials, applications and large-scale Additive Manufacturing machines.
“Currently, aircraft engine components rely on large castings and forgings, with up to 80% of the material machined away before reaching the final form,” stated Martin Thordén, GKN Aerospace. “By employing additive technology, which involves layer-by-layer construction using metal wire or powder fused together with lasers, GKN Aerospace can minimise raw material waste and energy consumption within production. This significantly cuts emissions, costs and lead time.”
Using Additive Manufacturing, GKN Aerospace is working to improve the performance of aerospace engines and address industry-wide challenges such as high costs, long lead times and supply chain vulnerabilities. By adopting AM Explorer software, the company aims to continue with the aforementioned work as well as reduce waste, lower carbon emissions, and optimise resource usage while maintaining consistent quality and regulatory compliance.
“AM Explorer enhances our manufacturing process by automating complex workflows and ensuring robust quality assurance. It supports our goal of scaling AM production while maintaining stringent aerospace industry standards,” Thordén added.
Thomas Rydell, Product Development at Interspectral, stated, “We’re proud to support GKN Aerospace on their journey to industrialise Additive Manufacturing and contribute to a more sustainable aviation industry. Through close collaboration with the team in Trollhättan, we’re tackling real-world industry challenges – driving greater efficiency, automation, and cost savings.”
Synergies with the Nikon SLM NXG XII 600
A key part of GKN Aerospace’s work in the Additive Manufacturing sector is the use of the large-scale NXG XII 600 Laser Beam Powder Bed Fusion (PBF-LB) Additive Manufacturing machines from Nikon SLM Solutions.
Using open data architecture, AM Explorer can interface with the machines and make over 400 data points accessible for GKN engineers, thus reducing the need to develop internal tools and methods. This integration also allows the software to provide comprehensive monitoring and analysis, enabling defect-free builds, optimised manufacturing workflows, faster production cycles, improved process stability and resource optimisation.
The data is automatically processed using an AI model specifically trained on high-resolution NXG images. AM Explorer then makes it possible for users to explore and analyse the data using AM Explorer’s visualisation tools and generate a build report in a seamless workflow.
