GKN Aerospace Material Solutions 3D prints 200th fan case mount ring
In January 2024, GKN Aerospace Material Solutions delivered its first 3D printed fan case mount ring. Less than a year later, in November, they celebrated the 100th unit—an impressive feat that reflected their capacity to scale efficiently. In early 2025, the company reached the 200th unit produced and delivered. This dramatic acceleration in production speaks volumes about GKN’s well-optimized AM processes and the effectiveness of its strategic planning.
With a legacy deeply rooted in engineering excellence, GKN continues to pioneer advanced manufacturing methods, particularly additive manufacturing. For companies like GKN Aerospace Material Solutions, AM has unlocked new dimensions of possibility—from design freedom to operational efficiency. AM’s ability to produce lightweight, strong, and highly optimized components aligns perfectly with the demanding requirements of modern aviation.
These milestones were achieved at both GKN’s AM production sites—Trollhättan in Sweden and Newington in the United States. Each facility plays a pivotal role in the global manufacturing strategy. Trollhättan brings deep aerospace engineering expertise, while Newington delivers on agility and scale.
GKN Aerospace’s success in AM production is powered by its investment in cutting-edge AM technology. In this case, the company used DED technology to produce these large near-net-shape parts (GKN uses wire laser DED), machined them in a post-processing phase and assembled them to form the ring. The company also has LPBF capabilities. AM technologies allow GKN to fabricate complex geometries rapidly, all while reducing material usage and enhancing mechanical performance.
In tandem with its production achievements, GKN Aerospace has made strategic investments in its manufacturing infrastructure. A brand-new production cell was recently approved and brought online, increasing throughput and operational efficiency. Shortly after, a second cell became fully operational, marking another leap forward in GKN’s production capacity. These additions allow for greater flexibility, shorter lead times, and consistent quality across all units.
Receiving full production approval for the new manufacturing cell was a major milestone. It involved rigorous validation procedures, quality checks, and system audits to meet stringent aerospace industry standards. The approval enhanced GKN’s capabilities and reaffirmed their clients’ trust in them for mission-critical components. GKN Aerospace is currently preparing for the first flight featuring its additive-manufactured components, set to take off in August 2025.
