ATI roadmap looks to scale AM adoption for aerospace in the UK

Developed by the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI), a new additive manufacturing (AM) strategy and roadmap has been launched. It sets a 2028 deadline for key actions to help the UK aerospace sector seize opportunities in the growing AM market, projected to reach £10 billion by 2033.

With support from the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC), home to the National Centre for Additive Manufacturing, the roadmap outlines a vision for the widespread adoption of AM in civil aerospace. By 2030, the goal is to significantly increase the number of AM parts in use, all designed and delivered through a fully developed UK supply chain.

To achieve this vision, the roadmap emphasizes aligning technology advancements with the strategic product decisions expected by 2028, as the industry prepares for the next generation of commercial aircraft.

According to the roadmap, “The UK has all the necessary elements to support full-scale aerospace AM production, including a robust AM network with machine OEMs, expanding supply chains, and world-class academic expertise.”

However, the focus must now shift from research and development to large-scale production of AM parts. This effort is critical to meeting the aviation sector’s Net Zero 2050 goals and strengthening the UK aerospace industry’s global competitiveness.

Alex Hickson, Head of Technology – Structures, Manufacturing & Materials at ATI and co-author of the roadmap, highlighted the importance of getting AM parts onto aircraft, stating that “advancing capabilities and getting additive manufactured parts onto aircraft is a key enabler on the journey to Destination Zero. This roadmap provides the strategic direction and key milestones which are key to delivering UK competitiveness in this area and securing the economic benefits on offer.”

Katy Milne, Future Mobility Associate Director at MTC, added: “The level of innovation in the aerospace sector is at its highest for decades, with companies developing new, more sustainable aircraft and driving more integrated supply chains. AM is a critical enabler.

By sharing insights through the roadmap, OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers can make informed decisions about when and how to integrate AM for future aircraft, while supply chains can prepare to manufacture these components as demand increases, ensuring the long-term success of UK aerospace manufacturing.

AM offers significant advantages, including the ability to produce parts that improve fuel efficiency, optimize thermal management, and reduce mass. It can also combine complex assemblies into single parts, cutting production costs, reducing waste, and speeding up time-to-market for high-value products.

Although aerospace giants like Airbus, Boeing, GE Aerospace, and Rolls-Royce already use AM technology, there is still untapped potential, and the UK must accelerate its adoption of AM to stay competitive globally.

The roadmap identifies four key challenges: building supply chain resilience, improving the efficiency of part qualification, reducing production costs, and expanding the range of AM applications. Addressing these challenges will build confidence in AM technology and help it become a core part of future aerospace programs.

The ATI AM Strategy and Roadmap was developed in consultation with OEMs and over 50 partners from across the aerospace supply chain. Case studies from companies like Airbus, Eaton, GKN Aerospace, and Rolls-Royce demonstrate the benefits of AM in areas like parts production, thermal management, and maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO).

The ATI Additive Manufacturing Strategy and Roadmap is now available for download.