Hinckley-based Sigma Components has received £140,000 of funding from the National Aerospace Technology Exploitation Programme (NATEP) to support a £280,000-plus one-year project to develop lightweight pipe-end fittings.

The project, in partnership with Newbury-based 3T RPD Ltd and Derby’s Rolls-Royce, will see the team re-design a number of traditional end fittings to minimise weight and cost by using additive layer manufacturing.

Mike Andreae, director of technology and improvement at Sigma Components, said: “We’re delighted to have secured funding for this project and to be working with such well-respected partners. The UK has long been at the cutting edge of developments in the aerospace sector; this funding will help us to explore the potential of new technologies such as additive layer manufacturing to improve component design and performance. “In a global industry, you have to continuously invest to remain ahead of the competition.”

Run by the Regional Aerospace Alliance and funded by the Advanced Manufacturing Supply Chain Initiative, NATEP is a £40 million programme that supports the development of innovative technologies in the aerospace supply chain.