EOS and Godrej Enterprises Group’s aerospace division have formed a strategic collaboration on an additive manufacturing-centric partnership concentrated on the Indian aviation and space sectors.The two entities have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and will look towards delivering functionally advanced products.
Towards this end, Godrej Enterprises Group and EOS will develop the technological capabilities and production capacitises to create a strong AM-based aviation and space supply chain for Indian and global original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). As a first step, the partners will concentrate on the application of large-scale multi-laser AM technology for production.
“This partnership represents a strategic step towards future readiness,” said Maneck Behramkamdin, executive vice president and business head of the aerospace business of Godrej & Boyce, a part of Godrej Enterprises Group. “3D printing is driving a paradigm shift in aerospace design, enabling us to create complex shapes and sizes through a single printing process. We are committed to expanding our portfolio of 'green' products while improving manufacturing value through material efficiency and streamlined processes.”
India has a rich and deep history with space exploration and technology, achieving Mars orbit with its first-try, being the first to soft land on the Moon’s south pole, and recently celebrating its 100th launch. As India's aerospace sector grows, Godrej Enterprises has differentiated itself as a leading manufacturer with advanced facilities for cryo-engine assemblies and satellite thrusters to support several projects. Now, the company is partnering with EOS to elevate its space manufacturing capabilities further.
“AM has brought about an undeniable transformation of the space industry,” said Vinu Vijayan, director of EOS India. “We are already seeing examples of conventionally manufactured assemblies consisting of more than 100 parts being simplified via AM into a mere three or four parts for ease of assembly, manufactured as needed, and resulting in reduced complexity and costs. We have also succeeded in developing and certifying the first flight-safety-critical, Class 2 titanium part for a passenger aircraft – the highest level of qualifications for aerospace.”
Dr. Ankit Saharan, director metals technology of global Additive Minds, added: “This is such a natural partnership and ultimately marks a significant milestone in the advancement of AM in India. Now we move forward, working closely with Godrej and our Additive Minds applied engineering team to qualify production that meets the stringent quality requirements of space and aviation applications, while also playing a pivotal role in building the next generation workforce in additive manufacturing – an essential factor in the success of the Government of India’s Make in India initiative.”