DMC and NP Aerospace Collaborate to Promote Additive Manufacturing in UK Defence.

The Digital Manufacturing Centre (DMC), a leader in additive manufacturing innovation, has partnered with NP Aerospace to provide advanced metal engineering solutions to the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) as part of Project TAMPA. This initiative, sponsored by UK Strategic Command Defence Support, aims to explore and harness the benefits of additive manufacturing (3D printing) to improve the speed, quality, and flexibility of the UK's defence supply chain.
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DMC’s expertise in additive manufacturing, combined with its adherence to strict quality standards such as AS9100 certification and the Part Production Approval Process (PPAP), allows the company to push the boundaries of 3D printing in defence (Picture source: DMC)

NP Aerospace, recognized for its long history of supplying military vehicles and support services, has been working with the MoD for several years. In 2019, the company secured the PMETS contract to maintain the UK’s fleet of protected vehicles. Its role in defence has since expanded, with its selection under the £850 million Marine Systems Transformation program.

Through this collaboration, DMC and NP Aerospace are tackling complex defense challenges using a creative engineering approach. They are employing additive manufacturing to produce polymer and metal parts for critical platforms such as the Mastiff and Ridgback vehicles. Components like the rear step assembly and door latch have been rapidly manufactured using 3D printing to meet operational demands. These parts will be showcased on the Ridgback platform at the DVD exhibition in Millbrook.

DMC’s expertise in additive manufacturing, combined with its adherence to strict quality standards such as AS9100 certification and the Part Production Approval Process (PPAP), allows the company to push the boundaries of 3D printing in defense. Both firms are also exploring future possibilities, including the secure transfer of digital files to deployed 3D printing facilities to reduce delivery times for critical parts.

David Wilson, Director of Engineering at NP Aerospace, highlighted that Project TAMPA has enabled a deeper exploration of the benefits of additive manufacturing. Working alongside DMC, both companies have solved complex engineering issues while ensuring the quality and reliability essential to defence.

Kieron Salter, CEO of DMC, expressed pride in supporting NP Aerospace and the broader UK defense industry. Drawing on experience from sectors like Formula 1 and aerospace, Salter emphasized that DMC’s approach transcends traditional manufacturing, focusing on creative engineering solutions that lead to innovative production outcomes.

NP Aerospace, recognized for its long history of supplying military vehicles and support services, has been working with the UK MoD for several years (Picture source: NP Aerospace)