Element is granted GKN Aerospace approval for testing of Additive Manufacturing powders

Element Materials Technology Group, a provider of destructive and non-destructive testing services for metals and non-metals, has received approval from GKN Aerospace Sweden AB to test metal powders at its Antwerp facility.

The laboratory, approved GKN Aerospace Sweden AB, will join the firm’s second location in Teesside, UK. Together, the two laboratories will offer metallic testing services for AM in accordance with ISO/ASTM 52907 standards, Element says, catering to the energy, aerospace, transportation, and industrial industries.

Other services will include mechanical testing, metallography, chemical analysis, specimen preparation, and heat treatment, alongside services such as chemical composition, particle size distribution, morphology, contamination, flowability, and characteristic densities.

As you may know, thorough determination of powder properties is crucial for quality assurance as the quality of powder significantly impacts the printing process and the properties of the printed material. Element’s investments in these services are a guarantee that they will help their clients achieve the quality of the final parts produced.

Due to the growing use of Powder Bed Fusion (PBF), and Additive Manufacturing in general, Element states its laboratories are witnessing an increasing percentage of work dedicated to this technology, transitioning from research and development to active production.

Matt Hopkinson, EVP of EMEAA at Element, said: “We are thrilled to receive approval from GKN Aerospace Sweden AB, a respected leader in the aerospace industry. This milestone highlights our commitment to advancing additive manufacturing and our dedication to providing exceptional testing services. As 3D printing and additive manufacturing continue to expand across industries, our Antwerp and Teesside laboratories are well-positioned to meet the evolving needs of the industry and contribute to the success of our customers.”

Both laboratories provide comprehensive testing for products throughout their entire lifecycle, including pre-service, post-service, and manufacturing stages. Element Antwerp is accredited by BELAC (NEN-EN-ISO/IEC17025) as a testing laboratory, while Element Teesside is intended to serve as the European centre of excellence for Additive Manufacturing.

 

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