Eaton Opens Third Global Additive Manufacturing Site in UK

Eaton, a company specializing in intelligent power management, has launched its newest additive manufacturing (AM) site in the United Kingdom. This European Centre of Additive Manufacturing is situated within Eaton's existing aerospace manufacturing campus in Wimborne and is designed to support localized, production-scale AM for European aerospace programs.

The new facility integrates various stages of the AM process, including design, engineering, 3D printing, and validation. It houses Eaton's largest metal additive manufacturing system to date, which is reported to offer double the productivity of previous systems for complex, safety-critical parts.

Eaton aims to expand the capabilities of this site to bolster its support for high-reliability commercial and military aerospace programs. The company anticipates utilizing titanium and electron beam additive processes, and is working towards obtaining AS9100 aerospace quality certification. This expansion is intended to enhance supply chain resilience, reduce logistical delays, and ensure business continuity for critical aviation projects.

This development signifies Eaton's commitment to scaling additive manufacturing for demanding aerospace applications. The company provides a range of solutions for the aerospace industry, including hydraulic, fuel, and electrical systems, as well as aftermarket support for commercial and military aircraft.