Northrop Grumman speeds up additive manufacturing process for advanced weaponry
SCRAM system printing a composite engine duct. (Photo: Northrop Grumman)
Scalable Composite Robotic Additive Manufacturing system promises to cut manufacturing time, says Northrop Grumman.
Northrop Grumman is accelerating the development of additive manufacturing materials ‘to support emerging hypersonic and high-speed weapons’, the company announced on 8 September.
With its Scalable Composite Robotic Additive Manufacturing Carbon/Carbon (SCRAM C/C) system, the company is ‘pioneering a rapid fabrication process that does not require tooling to manufacturing aerospace-grade, continuous fibre integrated composite structures,’ said Dan Olson, VP and GM of weapon systems for Northrop Grumman. ‘This manufacturing advancement will deliver capability to the field much faster than traditional methods.’
SCRAM is an industrial-grade fibre-reinforced 3D printer for the fabrication of integrated composite structures.
Historically, C/C manufacturing techniques have been labour-intensive. By introducing process automation, Northrop Grumman claimed, manufacturing time and cost can be reduced by up to 50% compared with traditional methods, ‘delivering capability to the field faster’.
More from Defence Notes
-
![Amazon Project Kuiper emphasises user-friendly solutions for multi-domain connectivity (Studio)]()
Amazon Project Kuiper emphasises user-friendly solutions for multi-domain connectivity (Studio)
At DSEI 2025, Shephard's Alix Valenti spoke to Project Kuiper's Rich Pang about the importance of enabling seamless communication between allied forces such as NATO members in challenging operational environments.
-
![Israel defence ministry pushes ambitious spending plans for tanks, drones and KC-46 aircraft]()
Israel defence ministry pushes ambitious spending plans for tanks, drones and KC-46 aircraft
The procurement and acceleration production plans – some of which still await approval – across the air and land domains will aim to strengthen the operational needs of the Israel Defense Forces.
-
![US reforms its defence acquisition system to focus on commercial capabilities]()
US reforms its defence acquisition system to focus on commercial capabilities
This shift is planned to accelerate the procurement and fielding of capabilities. As part of this strategy, the US also intends modernise its regulations in an attempt to change its bureaucratic and risk-averse culture.
