Arconic
Arconic bracket
Arconic-designed, optimised aerospace bracket
Arconic and Lockheed Martin have announced a two-year Joint Development Agreement (JDA) which will see them develop material and manufacturing processes.
In particular, lightweighting and customisation are two key focuses as the pair look to harness technologies like metal 3D printing to produce new structures and systems not yet in existence. The agreement extends the longstanding relationship between the two companies, who have already worked together to develop simulation tools and lightweight, corrosion-resistant alloys. Arconic also supplies the aerospace manufacturer with a portfolio of multi-material products for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter aircraft program and 3D printed parts for service on NASA’s Orion spacecraft.
“At Lockheed Martin, we are relentlessly finding ways to develop materials that create state-of-the-art advanced capabilities, reduce waste and generate efficiencies in manufacturing practices,” said Rod Makoske, Lockheed Martin SVP of Corporate Engineering, Technology and Operations. “Collaborating with Arconic will help us uncover new ideas for materials development where traditional practices aren’t suitable, investigate more sustainable material compositions and find ways to produce materials more effectively.”
“We have a long history of innovative collaboration with Lockheed Martin across multiple platforms—from single-piece forged bulkheads for the F-35 to 3D printed parts for the Orion spacecraft—and we are pleased to expand on that relationship with this new agreement,” said Ray Kilmer, Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, Arconic. “Lockheed is always innovating, and it is a privilege to apply our materials and manufacturing expertise to help them deliver their next generation of cutting-edge products.”
Arconic has also announced a new long-term contract with Boeing which will see the company supply aluminium sheet and plate for all Boeing Commercial models, and launched a new advanced high-temperature-resistant titanium alloy, ARCONIC-THOR.
