GKN plc (LSE:GKN) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with GE Additive (NYSE: GE), Concept Laser and Arcam AB to collaborate on Additive Manufacturing (AM). Under the agreement, GKN becomes a GE Additive development and production centre as well as a preferred powder supplier, while GE and its affiliated companies will supply additive machines and services to GKN.

As part of the agreement some of the activities include:

–GKN will become a GE Additive development and production partner for a range of powder bed and free form deposition technologies.
–GE Additive and its affiliated companies will become non-exclusive preferred suppliers of AM machines to GKN and its affiliates.
–GKN will collaborate with GE Additive on part development projects on powder bed machines to enable new market opportunities.
–GKN will become a non-exclusive preferred supplier of powder to GE Additive and GE’s industrial businesses.
–GE Additive’s Engineering Consulting Team (known as “AddWorks”) will assist GKN and its affiliates with the acceleration and industrialization of AM machines.

GKN is a global engineering group, operating from more than 150 manufacturing locations in over 30 countries. GKN has been a global leader in AM for decades, with aerospace components produced, certified and flying on seven major platforms today, as well as a world-leader in AM automotive parts and a specialist powder producer.

For many years, GE has been a leading end user and innovator in the additive manufacturing space. In addition to the $1.4 billion investment in Concept Laser and Arcam, GE has also invested approximately $1.5 billion in manufacturing and additive technologies over the past 10 years, developed additive applications across six GE businesses, created new services applications across the company, and earned 346 patents in material science. In 2016, the company established GE Additive to become a leading supplier of additive technology, materials and services for industries and businesses worldwide.

 

GE Additive
www.geadditive.com