Lockheed Martin, Arconic collaborate on 3-D printing and advanced aerospace materials

As part of an initiative to develop next-generation advanced materials and manufacturing processes, Bethesda, Md.-based Lockheed Martin and New York-based Arconic have announced a two-year joint development agreement. Together the companies will develop customized lightweight material systems and advanced manufacturing processes, such as metal 3-D printing.

This agreement expands the longstanding relationship between Arconic and Lockheed Martin. The companies currently collaborate on advanced materials and manufacturing projects such as the development of process modeling; simulation tools; and lightweight, corrosion resistant alloys. Arconic also supplies Lockheed Martin with multimaterial products for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter aircraft program and 3-D-printed metal parts for service on NASA’s Orion spacecraft.