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Why It Matters

The initiative accelerates adoption of high‑temperature AM superalloys, strengthening the UK’s position in advanced aerospace manufacturing and engine efficiency.

Key Takeaways

• £1 million ATI grant for ABD®‑1000AM development.
• First nickel‑based superalloy designed for laser powder‑bed fusion.
• Partners include ITP Aero and Cranfield University.
• Targets ultra‑efficient jet engine components.
• Supports UK aerospace R&D and certification platform.

Pulse Analysis

Additive manufacturing has reshaped aerospace production, yet the lack of alloys that can survive the intense heat of jet‑engine environments remains a bottleneck. Traditional superalloys often crack under the rapid heating cycles of laser powder‑bed fusion, limiting design freedom and part reliability. By focusing on alloy chemistry and powder characteristics, Alloyed’s ABD®‑1000AM addresses these constraints, offering a material that retains strength at temperatures beyond 1,200 °C while remaining printable without defects. This breakthrough expands the design envelope for engineers, enabling lattice structures and internal cooling channels that were previously impractical.

The collaboration brings together ITP Aero’s combustor expertise and Cranfield University’s high‑temperature surface engineering capabilities. ITP Aero will integrate the printed superalloy into next‑generation combustor prototypes, testing performance under real‑world conditions. Meanwhile, Cranfield’s National High Temperature Surface Engineering Centre is developing a bespoke protective coating to further enhance oxidation resistance, ensuring long‑term durability in harsh turbine environments. This joint effort not only validates the material’s manufacturing readiness but also creates a pathway for rapid certification, a critical hurdle for aerospace AM parts.

Beyond the technical gains, the project underscores the strategic role of the ATI Programme in de‑risking high‑impact R&D for UK SMEs. By bridging early research and commercial deployment, the £1 million investment helps Alloyed scale its digital design tools and manufacturing capacity, positioning the UK as a hub for next‑generation engine components. With airlines seeking fuel‑efficient, lower‑emission aircraft, demand for such high‑temperature, lightweight parts is set to surge, promising significant economic and environmental benefits for the aerospace sector.

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19 February 2026, Oxford, UK

Alloyed Ltd, the world‑leading developer and manufacturer of advanced metallic components for aerospace and electronics, has secured funding from the ATI Programme for an ambitious £1 million project to accelerate the development of ‘ABD®‑1000AM®’, a next‑generation nickel‑based superalloy designed for additive manufacturing.

The project, undertaken in collaboration with aircraft engine and component maker ITP Aero and Cranfield University, aims to enhance the capabilities of ABD®‑1000AM®, a material specifically engineered to withstand the laser powder‑bed fusion printing process without cracking.

3D‑printed ABD®‑1000AM® components will be vital for the ultra‑efficient jet engines of the future, which will require parts that can be manufactured in intricate geometries from materials capable of surviving the high temperatures and harsh conditions of combustion.

With the support from the ATI Programme, this initiative will drive innovation in the aerospace sector by advancing the adoption of 3D‑printed high‑performance components.

This project is one of several ongoing collaborations between Alloyed and the ATI Programme, including the development of a high‑strength aluminium alloy for aerospace applications and a £14 million initiative focused on a digital qualification platform to streamline the certification process for flight‑ready 3D‑printed components.

Dr David Crudden, Chief Metallurgist and Head of New Market Development at Alloyed, spoke to the value of the ATI in catalysing innovation in UK aerospace:

“Alloyed have been fortunate to have the opportunity to partner with the ATI in several key technology areas ranging from design of new materials to the development of digital software platforms to support adoption of additive manufacturing in the aerospace industry.

“This project, focused on advancing the manufacturing readiness level of ABD®‑1000AM®, is a great example of where ATI Programme funding helps UK companies to bridge the gap between early research and industry development programs.

“ABD®‑1000AM® is the world’s highest‑temperature nickel‑based superalloy designed for additive manufacture. We have identified huge demand for this material and believe it will be a game‑changing technology for gas turbines across aerospace propulsion and industrial power generation.”

Alloyed originated from the renowned aerospace materials group at Oxford University and specialises in the computational design and optimisation of metallic materials and the development of advanced additive manufacturing (AM) and post‑processing strategies to optimise performance‑cost trade‑offs.

Cranfield University is a world‑leading institution in the study of materials degradation at high temperatures, especially for aerospace applications. The team at the National High Temperature Surface Engineering Centre has decades of experience in researching coatings able to withstand oxidation and high temperatures, which will be applied to the development of a protective coating tailored for the ABD®‑1000AM®.

The ITP Aero UK team brings deep technical knowledge and a strong track record in developing world‑leading combustor technology, working alongside key OEMs on commercial and defence aviation.

Chris McDonald, Parliamentary Under‑Secretary of State (Minister for Industry), said:

“This is a strong example of how government and business can work together to keep the UK at the forefront of innovation in our world‑class aerospace sector, and I look forward to seeing how Alloyed’s project can contribute to the jet engines of the future.

“We’re bolstering our support for the aerospace industry through our modern Industrial Strategy – giving business the confidence it needs to invest in UK advanced manufacturing and delivering on growth as part of our Plan for Change.”

Rob Mitchell, Director of Engineering for ITP Aero UK, said:

“ITP Aero is committed to a wide range of research and development programmes across the regions in which it operates. AMRAM is another good example of how partnering across academia, SMEs and industrial partners can directly shape the future of the aerospace industry.

“We are delighted to support Alloyed and Cranfield University in the pursuit of this enhanced capability for combustor technology. We look forward to working together to discover how this advancement can make a real‑life difference to our industry, the technology we are developing today, and the future projects we are focused on for the pioneers of tomorrow.”

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About Alloyed

Alloyed is a rapidly growing company of 150 people which originated from the renowned aerospace materials group at Oxford University. Alloyed specialises in the computational design and optimisation of metallic materials and the development of advanced additive manufacturing (AM) and post‑processing strategies to inform performance‑cost trade‑offs. In March 2025, Alloyed announced it had secured £37 million in investment from British, Japanese and German backers to help it develop its digital design software and expand its additive manufacturing facilities. Alloyed’s customers include some of the world’s top companies across airframe, jet engine, automotive, industrial gas turbine, and consumer electronics.

About ITP Aero

As a world‑leading partner in future flight technologies, ITP Aero is specialised in designing, developing, manufacturing and providing lifecycle propulsion services for aero‑engines. With a 35‑year track record of innovation and a workforce of almost 6 000 professionals across 14 sites in 5 countries, ITP Aero plays a pivotal role in 40 % of all commercial aircraft engine deliveries annually. With more than 5 000 engines in service, ITP Aero powers six aircraft take‑offs every minute, partnering with all major engine OEMs to advance aviation globally. ITP Aero’s biggest UK site is in Hucknall, Nottinghamshire, employing over 720 people.

About Cranfield University

Cranfield is a specialist postgraduate university whose distinctive expertise lies in the deep understanding of technology, engineering and management and how these work together to benefit the world. Its aerospace heritage is reflected in long‑standing strategic partnerships with key global companies, combined with world‑class facilities for the development, production, characterisation and performance testing of advanced materials for extreme environments.

About the ATI Programme

The ATI Programme co‑funds industrial R&D projects to develop new cutting‑edge aircraft technology. The programme is coordinated and managed by the Aerospace Technology Institute, the Department for Business and Trade, and Innovate UK (part of UK Research and Innovation).