GKN Aerospace has acquired a pioneering Swedish additive manufacturing system business, as part of its engine business’ journey to transform its supply chain and offer more sustainable and advanced material solutions to customers.
Permanova Lasersystem AB, based in Gothenburg, is a leader in advanced laser technology and cell integration and is a current supplier of laser welding and laser metal deposition systems to GKN Aerospace. GKN Aerospace is already a leader in laser metal deposition for complex engine components, with additive AM components flying today on multiple platforms. The acquisition will strengthen GKN Aerospace’s additive fabrication offer, accelerate large-scale AM industrialisation and enable significant future business growth.
It is also a major milestone in its sustainability journey, with additive manufacturing reducing material and energy usage by up to 80% compared to traditional manufacturing techniques. The widespread adoption of AM will be an important aspect of the aerospace industry’s commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.