Sigma Components secures NATEP funding

Sigma Components has secured a project worth over £ 280,000 supported by £140,000 of funding from the National Aerospace Technology Exploitation Programme (NATEP) to develop lightweight pipe end fittings.
The project, in partnership with 3T RPD, will see the team redesigning a selection of traditional end fittings to minimise both 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 the project and to be working with such well-respected partners in the industry.

“The UK has long been at the cutting edge of developments in the aerospace sector and this funding will help us explore the potential presented by 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.

“COMPipe, our recent CleanSky-funded project to develop composite pipes for aero-applications, is already delivering exciting results and we’re confident this programme will be equally successful.”

The project will run for 12 months with the partners working together to redesign the end fittings and producing additive-manufactured samples in approved materials. They will also develop an associated quality control process and validate the design/manufacturing processes through analysis and rig testing.

NATEP is managed by ADS, the national organisation for the Aerospace, Defence & Security sectors and delivered by the Regional Aerospace Alliances. Funded by the Advanced Manufacturing Supply Chain Initiative, NATEP is a £40m programme that supports the development of new innovative technologies in the aerospace supply chain.