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GE was among the pioneers for the use of additive manufacturing in the aerospace sector.
GE Additive is to provide consultancy services to General Atomics Aeronautical System, Inc (GA-ASI) via its AddWorks subsidiary.
GA-ASI manufactures Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) systems, radars, and electrooptic and related mission systems, and is looking to implement additive manufacturing (AM) technologies effectively. The company selected AddWorks after a ‘competitive’ tender, and the consultancy service provider will now begin to help accelerate and strengthen the qualification and integration of metal AM within its production workflows.
AddWorks is made up of more than 200 engineering and manufacturing specialists, who work to assist clients in how best to apply additive manufacturing. The aim is to enable a successful adoption of the technology, helping organisation to shorten the learning curve by advising on industrialisation, part certification processes, materials characterisation, and production readiness strategies.
GE feels its own experience integrating additive manufacturing for production requirements in the aerospace industry was a key factor in GA-ASI’s selection of AddWorks, and believes its aptitude in design and commercialisation will enable a successful partnership.
“This is a great fit for us because GE has already been through a similar journey,” commented Jason Oliver, President & CEO, GE Additive. “We get where GA-ASI is at and where it wants to go. By offering our learnings and in-depth knowledge of the aerospace and defence industry, we will be able to assist them in leveraging metal additive with our methodical, systematic approach, that meets the exacting requirements of the sector and their aggressive goal to grow the impact of additive within their application space.
“Some of our AddWorks consultants are responsible for designing, and then industrialising, many of the additively manufactured aerospace parts that are in service today. So, they are very well-placed to accompany GA-ASI in accelerating their additive journey. We’re honoured to secure this engagement and look forwards to helping them drive successful outcomes and their competitive advantage.”
