HAL (India’s state-owned aerospace and defence company) and Wipro 3D (the metal additive-manufacturing (AM) business of Wipro Infrastructure Engineering — WIN) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding regarding the design, development, prove-out, manufacture and repair of aerospace components using metal additive technology.

This MoU also aims to “accentuate the development, prove-out and application of new materials for use in metal additive technology”.

Shekhar Shrivastava, CEO of HAL’s Bangalore facility (www.hal-india.co.in), said: “This initiative will create a unique synergy of capabilities that can accelerate the adoption of metal AM in aerospace in India.

"Qualification of parts for aerospace is challenging, as it requires prove-out and extensive testing — followed by certification, which may also include flight testing.

"This co-operation would be a unique opportunity for both the parties. Metal AM has the potential to play a significant role in the success of national aerospace and defence platforms, including HAL’s own needs.”

Pratik Kumar, CEO of Wipro Infrastructure Engineering (www.wipro-3d.com), said: “This MoU will bring metal AM into the mainstream of India’s aerospace. Wipro 3D and HAL have worked together in the past.

"This further strengthens our collaborative efforts to create additive technology leadership in aerospace.”