Rolls-Royce opens additive manufacturing development cell in Bristol

Luke Pollard MP, Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, officially opened a new additive manufacturing (AM) development cell at Rolls-Royce’s Defence Assembly and Operations facility in Bristol. Claire Hazelgrove, MP for Filton and Bradley Stoke, also attended to see the unveiling.

With funding from the UK Ministry of Defence, the cell utilises AM technology to manufacture critical components for next-generation aircraft engines. By integrating this German-engineered technology, UK capability remains at the cutting-edge of aerospace engineering, manufacturing complex parts with reduced lead time, reduced cost and increased efficiency compared to traditional methods.

The machinery will play a critical role in accelerating innovation, knowledge and skills across the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) and future combat power and propulsion, across defence and wider Rolls-Royce applications. With new optimised, lightweight engine components produced, future aircraft will benefit from more power and better fuel efficiency – all at a rapid pace.

Andy Higginson, Senior Vice President of Manufacturing, Assembly and Test, at Rolls-Royce said: “Across Rolls-Royce we’re committed to the continued development and enhancement of our technologies to meet the demands of today, while providing scalable infrastructure required for the future. Programmes like FCAS and GCAP will be fundamental to the UK’s future aerospace sector and capabilities like additive manufacturing will be crucial to enabling innovation at pace, driving cost savings and enhancing the skills and capabilities of our people.”

With engineers being specially trained to use the cell, the advancement in technology will help to sustain and create jobs at the Bristol hub that continues to be the home of UK military combat and transport aerospace power and propulsion.

Said Luke: “This new facility in Bristol is a clear sign of UK industry investing in the skills and technology we need to stay ahead. By using the latest manufacturing techniques to build lighter, more efficient components, Rolls-Royce is helping to keep British engineers at the forefront of innovation – all the while creating and sustaining skilled jobs right here in Bristol.”