BIRMINGHAM, UK, Nov 12, 2026 – GKN Aerospace has become the first company in the world to achieve Nadcap accreditation for Laser Wire Directed Energy Deposition (L-DED-w), marking an important milestone in the industrialization of additive manufacturing for aerospace and defense applications.
The accreditation provides independent, industry-recognised validation of GKN Aerospace’s L-DED-w manufacturing processes. GKN Aerospace has already designed, developed and delivered fully certified additively manufactured components, which are in flight today. This accreditation will help accelerate further L-DED-w applications into full aerospace production in the future.
Nadcap is one of the aerospace industry’s most recognised accreditation programmes for special processes, validating that manufacturing processes meet stringent requirements for quality, traceability and process control.
“Our customers are looking for trusted partners that can help industrialize advanced manufacturing technologies. For additive manufacturing, that means having robust and repeatable processes that can support the move into industrial production. Nadcap accreditation is an important step in that journey, giving us a stronger foundation for broader application of L-DED-w across aerospace and defence.” Sébastien Aknouche, SVP Material Solutions, GKN Aerospace.
The accreditation followed a comprehensive audit of GKN Aerospace’s process controls, operating procedures, personnel qualifications, equipment, material control and traceability.
Additive manufacturing can enable the production of complex aerospace components while reducing material use and opening new possibilities for how components are designed and manufactured. Nadcap accreditation provides an independently validated foundation for taking L-DED-w from proven technology towards broader industrial application across aerospace and defence.
Additive manufacturing video.
About GKN Aerospace
GKN Aerospace is the world’s leading multi-technology tier 1 aerospace supplier. As a global company serving the world’s leading aircraft manufacturers, GKN Aerospace develops, builds and supplies an extensive range of advanced aerospace systems, components and technologies– for use in aircraft ranging from helicopters and business jets to the most used single aisle aircraft and the largest passenger planes in the world. Lightweight composites, additive manufacturing, innovative engine systems and smart transparencies help to reduce emissions and weight on the aircraft and enhance passenger comfort. GKN Aerospace is market leading in aero-structures, engine systems, transparencies and wiring systems and operates in 15 countries at 51 manufacturing locations employing approximately 17,000 people. For more information, visit https://www.gknaerospace.com.
