Safran has acquired 3D Metal Forming (3DMF), a global leader specialised in high energy hydro forming of metal parts.

French-owned aircraft equipment manufacturer Safran has a base in Gloucester.

Safran Nacelles completed the acquisition of 3DMF. This innovative manufacturing process reinforces Safran Nacelles' capacity to develop and produce parts for nacelles and engines, including nozzles and air inlet lips.

HEHF is also an enabling technology for manufacturing monolithic integrated structures from thick plate.

Located in the Netherlands, 3DMF manufactures prototype and series parts mainly for the aerospace industry. The manufacturing process developed by the company enables to produce a very high-quality finished product which can be large and of various thicknesses, and offers dimension and precision characteristics that are above current standards.

Vincent Caro, CEO of Safran Nacelles, said: "We are delighted to integrate the 3DMF team in Safran Nacelles. Acquiring this new expertise enables us to enhance our technology portfolio and consolidate our position as a reference aerospace player in the development and manufacture of nacelles.

"This acquisition will notably enable the design and production of high-tech performance-enhancing arts for our customers, improving the performance of future generation propulsion systems."