Eaton Expands Additive Manufacturing in Europe

Power management specialist Eaton has opened an additive manufacturing facility in the UK to expand its capacity in Europe. The center at Wimborne in southern England will focus on design, engineering, printing, and validation of additive materials.

“By expanding our additive manufacturing capabilities in Europe, we’re enabling customers to move faster from design to production of certified components,” said Tomasina Bailey, v-p of engineering for Eaton’s aerospace group. “With deep engineering expertise and integrated capabilities, Eaton is setting the standard for scaling additive in aerospace—delivering the performance, reliability, and design flexibility customers need to deliver next-generation platforms at scale.”

According to Eaton, its additive manufacturing capabilities enable the production of lighter, more efficient components while reducing material usage and minimizing the need for tooling. At the core of the new UK facility is the group’s largest metal additive manufacturing system, capable of delivering up to twice the productivity of previous platforms. The company said the investment will allow faster development cycles and increased throughput for complex, safety-critical components.

Eaton’s capabilities in the aerospace sector include hydraulic, fuel, oxygen, fluid, and air conveyance systems, as well as electrical, motion control, and engine solutions, plus aftermarket service and support for commercial and military aircraft. It said customers need lighter and more resilient components and a more robust supply chain.