Lohia Aerospace Brings Composite Manufacturing Tech to India

Lohia Aerospace and Massivit have partnered to establish India's first large-format composite manufacturing facility in Kanpur, bringing advanced 3D-printing technology to accelerate aerospace, defence, and industrial production while reducing import dependence.

This strategic alliance will see the creation of an advanced large-format composite manufacturing technology for use in India between Lohia Aerospace and Israel-based Massivit 3D Printing Technologies. This move is expected to go a long way in improving the nation’s aerospace and defense manufacturing capabilities. Lohia Aerospace will be setting up the first large-format composite manufacturing factory in India at its Kanpur plant, incurring costs of about USD 8–10 million in the process. This move is in line with the Indian government’s Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat aspirations.

The partnership, in the form of a Joint Manufacturing Alliance, will utilize the RapidWings CIM system from Massivit at Lohia Aerospace’s manufacturing plant. The system will use large format 3D printing to build molds and tools within a much smaller amount of time than traditional processes. As per the firms, the technology will allow for 90% reduction in tooling production cycle times, which means that manufacturers can now build parts for their aircrafts in days rather than weeks.

Also read: Uzbekistan Eyes USD 2 Billion Trade Target With India

The plant will be primarily used for the country's booming aerospace and defense industries that include UAVs and aircraft makers. As per the contract, Lohia Aerospace will have the exclusive right to use the technology in India for aerospace and defense applications. The company will offer manufacturing facilities, skilled manpower, finishing, quality control, and delivery of the products using its certifications of AS9100D, NADCAP, and ISO 9001.

In addition to the aerospace industry, the technology would help manufacturers in the automotive, marine, renewable energy, and industrial composite industries. Large format additive manufacturing allows for the production of light and precision tooling in a shorter time frame and minimizes waste and costs in manufacturing. The aim of this collaboration is to improve supply chain resiliency and decrease India's reliance on imports.

Kanpur is undergoing expansion in terms of infrastructure, which will include the construction of another manufacturing factory that covers an area of 250,000 square feet on top of its current one that covers an area of 80,000 square feet. This project is geared towards creating job opportunities, making India a leading player in advanced manufacturing, and ensuring that India becomes the center for composite tooling and aerospace manufacturing.

Also read: Unlocking Manufacturing Growth with Innovation

Massivit sees India as a lucrative market with great growth opportunities in aerospace, defense, and industrial fabrication. The collaboration between Massivit’s additive manufacturing technology and Lohia Aerospace’s manufacturing proficiency and customer base is aimed at speeding up the process of adoption of new generation composites manufacturing in India. This partnership also shows that it is now increasingly common for international technology firms to collaborate with Indian manufacturing firms for indigenously made products.

This alliance is set to make a significant contribution to India's presence in the area of advanced aerospace manufacturing through fast and cheaper manufacturing of composite tools and vital components. The need for indigenous aerospace and defense manufacturing is on the rise, and this partnership is bound to play a significant role in establishing a self-sufficient manufacturing ecosystem.