Rolls-Royce opens Bristol-based Additive Manufacturing Development cell
Rolls-Royce has opened a new Additive Manufacturing Development Cell at its Defence Assembly and Operations facility in Bristol, UK, with funding from the UK Ministry of Defence. The new facility will use Additive Manufacturing to produce critical components for next-generation aircraft engines.
According to Rolls-Royce, Additive Manufacturing is expected to support innovation, knowledge development and skills across the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), as well as future combat air power and propulsion initiatives within both defence and wider company applications. The production of optimised, lightweight engine components is anticipated to contribute to increased power output and improved fuel efficiency in future aircraft.
“Across Rolls-Royce, we are committed to the continued development and enhancement of our technologies to meet the demands of today, while providing scalable infrastructure required for the future,” stated Andy Higginson, Senior Vice President Manufacturing, Assembly and Test, Rolls-Royce. “Programmes like FCAS [Future Combat Air Systems] and GCAP will be fundamental to the UK’s future aerospace sector, and capabilities like Additive Manufacturing will be crucial to enabling innovation at pace, driving cost savings and enhancing the skills and capabilities of our people.”
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The cell is housed in a purpose-built 350 m² facility, where humidity, temperature and air pressure are controlled to ensure consistent production quality. Engineers are being trained to operate the new technology, with Rolls-Royce stating that the investment is expected to support and create jobs at its Bristol site, a long-established hub for UK military aerospace power and propulsion.
Rolls-Royce added that, in addition to weight savings, the components produced are expected to enable faster delivery to partners and customers, while improving cost efficiency. The precision of AM also supports more efficient material usage, reducing waste and energy consumption during production.
The facility was officially opened by Luke Pollard MP, Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, with Claire Hazelgrove, MP for Filton and Bradley Stoke, also in attendance.
“This new facility in Bristol is a clear sign of UK industry investing in the skills and technology we need to stay ahead,” Pollard stated. “By using the latest manufacturing techniques to build lighter, more efficient components, Rolls-Royce is helping to keep British engineers at the forefront of innovation – all the while creating and sustaining skilled jobs right here in Bristol.”
