In an exciting leap forward for the UK aerospace sector, Shropshire-based SDE Technology is proud to announce its leading role in pioneering a new hybrid manufacturing method that promises to significantly enhance the production of aerospace components. This innovative approach, which combines traditional and superplastic forming techniques, could reshape the future of aerospace manufacturing by improving efficiency and reducing costs.
The initiative, part of the National Aerospace Technology Exploitation Programme (NATEP), is supported by a collaborative effort including the Advanced Forming Research Centre (AFRC) within the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) Group, and industry giant Boeing and Timet UK. This collective expertise underscores the project’s significance and its potential impact on the global aerospace industry.
Richard Homden, CEO of SDE Technology, expressed immense pride in the company’s involvement: “This project has tremendous potential not only for our business but for the entire aerospace sector. It’s thrilling to collaborate on pioneering new manufacturing techniques. Hot forming with the technical support and knowledge from the AFRC, is poised to become a key element of our business strategy moving forward.”
The new hybrid technique is estimated to reduce forming cycle times by over 50% and cut manufacturing costs by as much as 25% compared to traditional methods. This efficiency gain is expected to strengthen the UK’s position in the high-value manufacturing of titanium parts, crucial for modern aircraft.
Moreover, the innovative tooling and reduced process time associated with the new method significantly lower the environmental impact, aligning with global sustainability goals. “The reduced heat application not only cuts costs but also diminishes the alpha case layer formed during processing, simplifying post-forming treatments,” explained Evgenia Yakushina, team lead at the AFRC.
David Milliken, Boeing’s technical lead for forming and forging: “Boeing is committed to working with partners across the globe on projects that advance innovation in the aerospace industry. This is a very exciting project with the chance to further advance manufacturing processes in the UK and we look forward to contributing to this collaboration.”
The culmination of this 18-month research endeavour, funded by the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI), aims to demonstrate that complex-shaped titanium components can be manufactured with the same precision, tolerance, and quality as those produced by traditional methods.
Christopher Greenough, CCO of SDE Technology reiterated the importance of such projects: “I firmly believe that innovation is the cornerstone of our future growth and success. Our recent venture into pioneering hybrid manufacturing techniques for aerospace components underscores our commitment to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in engineering and manufacturing. By embracing innovation, we are not only enhancing our capabilities but also ensuring that SDE Technology remains at the forefront of all industry sectors. This project is a testament to our team’s hard work and our collaboration with key industry players. Together, we are setting new standards and shaping the future of aerospace manufacturing. We look forward to continuing our journey of innovation, driving advancements that benefit not only our company but the entire sector.”
As SDE Technology gears up to supply UK-manufactured components to Boeing and other key players, this project marks a significant milestone in the evolution of aerospace manufacturing. The company looks forward to a future where its contributions to this high-tech field play a pivotal role in the global supply chain, driving innovation and excellence in aerospace development.
