EDM service package for NADCAP certification

To help its EDM customers achieve and maintain NADCAP certification, United Machining has developed a dedicated service package for its AgieCharmilles EDM machines that optimises their performance, repeatability and traceability. The core element of the package focuses on planned preventive maintenance conducted by experienced United Machining engineers, in accordance with NADCAP AC7116 specifications. This activity guarantees the repeatability and traceability of the customer’s EDM processes and ensures their EDM machines are operating at peak performance.

More information www.gfms.com/uk

Sandvik Coromant Upgrades Tool Reconditioning

Tooling manufacturer Sandvik Coromant has upgraded its tool reconditioning service for solid round tools. To give manufacturers complete control over their reconditioning process, the upgraded service replaces a previously manual, multi-stage workflow with a streamlined, fully online experience that reduces quotation and turnaround times.

Customers simply log in, enter the tool’s product code and the quantity they wish to recondition and receive an instant quotation. This functionality enables immediate decision making and places complete control in the hands of the user. Furthermore, for the majority of markets, Sandvik Coromant covers all shipping costs, taxes and tariffs associated with the service, ensuring a smooth end-to-end experience.

More information www.bit.ly/4aJ4e9h

Funding for project to 3D-print superalloy jet engine parts

Alloyed Ltd has secured funding from the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) Programme for a £1m project to accelerate development of ABD-1000AM, a next-generation nickel-based superalloy designed specifically for additive manufacturing.

The project, delivered in collaboration with aircraft engine specialist ITP Aero and Cranfield University, aims to further enhance the material’s performance and manufacturing readiness. ABD-1000AM has been engineered to withstand the laser powder bed fusion process without cracking, overcoming a key challenge associated with high-temperature nickel alloys.

The material is expected to play an important role in future ultra-efficient jet engines, where complex, lightweight components must operate reliably in the extreme temperatures and harsh conditions found within combustion systems.

Support from the ATI Programme will help accelerate adoption of high-performance 3D-printed aerospace components and strengthen the UK’s position in advanced manufacturing technologies.

“Alloyed has been fortunate to partner with the ATI in several key technology areas, ranging from new material design to digital software platforms that support additive manufacturing adoption,” says Dr David Crudden, chief metallurgist and head of new market development at Alloyed. “ABD-1000AM is the world’s highest-temperature nickel-based superalloy designed for additive manufacture. We’ve identified significant demand for the material and believe it has the potential to be a game-changing technology for gas turbines in aerospace propulsion and industrial power generation.”

Cranfield University will contribute its expertise in high-temperature materials degradation and protective coatings, while ITP Aero will provide specialist knowledge in advanced combustor technologies for commercial and defence aviation applications.

Rob Mitchell, director of engineering at ITP Aero UK, says the project demonstrates the value of collaboration between academia, SMEs and industrial partners in shaping the future of aerospace technology and accelerating the development of next-generation propulsion systems.

More information www.alloyed.com

HII places order for second Nikon SLM Solutions NXG 600E

Nikon SLM Solutions, a global specialist in laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) metal additive manufacturing and a unit of Nikon Advanced Manufacturing, reports that HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) division has placed a second NXG 600E order. The move further strengthens its advanced manufacturing capabilities in support of US Navy shipbuilding and the Maritime Industrial Base (MIB).

The order builds on a previously announced NXG 600E acquisition and reflects HII’s continued investment in large-format metal additive manufacturing to enable production of large, complex components and replacement of legacy castings for critical naval applications. Through close collaboration with HII, Nikon SLM Solutions will lead parameter development and process maturation for L-PBF production of NiAlBr components, expanding material capability for additive manufacturing within US Navy supply chains and supporting long-term maritime readiness.

“This second NXG 600E order reflects HII’s leadership and long-term commitment to advancing the maritime industrial base through additive manufacturing,” says Hamid Zarringhalam, CEO of Nikon Advanced Manufacturing and chairman of the board at Nikon SLM Solutions.

He adds: “Expanding critical materials capabilities such as nickel-aluminium-bronze is a foundational part of Nikon Advanced Manufacturing’s holistic approach, combining scalable platforms, material and process development, and US-based production and support. Together with HII, we’re enabling additive manufacturing to move from isolated applications to a repeatable, industrial capability that supports US Navy shipbuilding at scale.”

More information www.nikon-slm-solutions.com

Snowbird Technologies integrates Meltio Engine Blue

Snowbird Technologies and Meltio have unveiled a next-generation containerised hybrid manufacturing system designed to produce and repair critical components directly at the point of need for defence applications.

The solution combines Snowbird’s deployable SAMM Tech platform with the Meltio Engine Blue, creating a ruggedised manufacturing cell that integrates additive and subtractive processes within a transportable container. Designed for rapid deployment, the system enables military personnel to manufacture, repair and replace components in remote and austere environments, reducing reliance on traditional supply chains.

Compatible with existing military logistics infrastructure, the platform is engineered to operate in challenging land and maritime conditions. It supports a wide range of industrial metals, including aluminium, titanium and marine-grade bronze, allowing the production and repair of structural and functional components essential to defence and naval operations.

The hybrid system combines metal and polymer processing capabilities while providing the safety, reliability and flexibility required for deployed environments. By bringing manufacturing closer to the point of use, it helps reduce lead times, minimise material waste and improve operational readiness.

The collaboration builds on proven field experience. Snowbird’s technology has already demonstrated its value during naval operations, including the repair of a reverse osmosis pump aboard a US Navy vessel, restoring freshwater generation capabilities within hours and avoiding an early return to port.

“This collaboration further validates the role of laser-wire directed energy deposition technology in demanding defence environments,” says Scott Morse, chief executive of Snowbird Technologies. “By integrating the Meltio Engine Blue into our next-generation SAMM Tech platform, we can deliver reliable hybrid manufacturing where traditional infrastructure is unavailable.”

Gabriel Ortiz, Americas Channel Manager at Meltio, adds: “Defence organisations require manufacturing solutions that are reliable, flexible and deployable. This collaboration demonstrates how additive manufacturing can strengthen operational readiness in the field.”

More information www.meltio3d.com