Arconic signed a two-year joint development agreement (JDA) with Lockheed Martin with the aim of realizing next-generation advanced materials and manufacturing processes. Together, the companies will develop customized lightweight material systems and advanced manufacturing processes, such as metal 3D printing, to advance current and next-generation aerospace and defense solutions — including new structures and systems not currently in existence.
“At Lockheed Martin, we are relentlessly finding ways to develop materials that create state-of-the-art advanced capabilities, reduce waste, and generate efficiencies in manufacturing practices,” said Rod Makoske, Lockheed Martin senior vice president of Corporate Engineering, Technology and Operations. “Collaborating with Arconic will help us uncover new ideas for materials development where traditional practices aren’t suitable, investigate more sustainable material compositions and find ways to produce materials more effectively.”
The two companies have a longstanding relationship, with Arconic and Lockheed Martin already collaborating on advanced materials and manufacturing projects, such as the development of process modeling, simulation tools, and lightweight, corrosion resistant alloys. Arconic also supplies Lockheed Martin with a broad portfolio of innovative, multi-material products for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter aircraft program — from engine to airframe structures.
“We have a long history of innovative collaboration with Lockheed Martin across multiple platforms — from single-piece forged bulkheads for the F-35 to 3D-printed parts for the Orion spacecraft — and we are pleased to expand on that relationship with this new agreement,” said Ray Kilmer, executive vice president and chief technology officer, Arconic. “Lockheed is always innovating, and it is a privilege to apply our materials and manufacturing expertise to help them deliver their next generation of cutting-edge products.”
Lockheed Martin’s recently released 2017 Corporate Sustainability Report details how innovative manufacturing techniques – like industrial 3D printing – can allow for greater resource efficiency, less materials use, and potentially lower greenhouse gas emissions over the full life cycle of a part. In 2017, Lockheed Martin made progress toward its goal of creating greater manufacturing efficiencies, including completing lifecycle assessments on three products, identifying total cost of ownership reductions of $574 million from decreased resource consumption, and impacts on human health and the environment.