#249 Engineering VP Jack Adams on Norsk Titanium's Supply of AM Parts to Airbus, Boeing & More

Why It Matters

Norsk’s certified AM capabilities give major OEMs a faster, lighter alternative to forged titanium, reshaping supply‑chain economics and accelerating innovation in aerospace design.

Key Takeaways

• Norsk Titanium uses Rapid Plasma Deposition for high-rate titanium parts
• FAA-approved, OEM-qualified supplier to Airbus, Boeing, General Atomics
• RPD process enables complex aerospace structures with reduced lead times
• Norsk’s Merke machine series evolution expands additive manufacturing capacity

Pulse Analysis

Additive manufacturing has moved from prototyping to full‑scale production, especially in aerospace where weight savings translate directly into fuel efficiency. Norsk Titanium’s Rapid Plasma Deposition (RPD) technology distinguishes itself by delivering titanium components at deposition rates far higher than conventional laser‑based systems, while maintaining the material properties required for critical flight structures. This high‑throughput approach reduces part lead times and enables design geometries that are impossible with traditional subtractive methods, positioning RPD as a strategic asset for manufacturers seeking to cut cycle times and inventory costs.

The company’s recent collaborations with Airbus, Boeing and General Atomics illustrate how OEMs are integrating certified AM parts into their supply chains. By securing FAA approval and meeting OEM qualification standards, Norsk provides a trusted source of structural titanium that can replace forged or machined alternatives in wing brackets, engine mounts and other load‑bearing components. These partnerships not only validate the reliability of RPD‑produced parts but also demonstrate a market appetite for scalable, volume‑ready additive solutions. As airlines push for greener fleets, the weight reductions offered by 3D‑printed titanium translate into measurable emissions savings, reinforcing the commercial case for broader adoption.

Looking ahead, Norsk’s R&D pipeline focuses on expanding material palettes, automating post‑process inspection, and scaling the Merke machine series to meet growing demand. The company aims to broaden its addressable market beyond aerospace into defense and high‑performance industrial sectors. If Norsk can sustain its rapid production cadence while maintaining stringent quality controls, it could set a new benchmark for additive manufacturing’s role in high‑volume, mission‑critical applications, accelerating the industry’s transition from niche to mainstream.