Alloyed Ltd, an Oxford-based developer and manufacturer of advanced metallic components for aerospace and electronics, has secured £1 million in funding from the Aerospace Technology Institute Programme (ATI Programme) to accelerate development of ABD®-1000AM®, a next-generation nickel-based superalloy engineered for additive manufacturing.
The project, delivered in collaboration with ITP Aero and Cranfield University, aims to enhance the performance and manufacturing readiness of ABD®-1000AM®, a material specifically designed to withstand the laser powder bed fusion process without cracking.
The alloy is intended for use in ultra-efficient future jet engines, where components must be produced in complex geometries and endure extreme temperatures and harsh combustion environments. By advancing high-performance 3D-printed components, the project is expected to support wider adoption of additive manufacturing in aerospace.
This initiative forms part of Alloyed’s wider collaboration with the ATI Programme, which also includes development of a high-strength aluminium alloy for aerospace applications and a £14 million project to create a digital qualification platform for certifying flight-ready 3D-printed parts.
Dr David Crudden, Chief Metallurgist and Head of New Market Development at Alloyed, spoke to the value of the ATI in catalysing innovation in UK Aerospace:
“Alloyed have been fortunate to have the opportunity to partner with the ATI in several key technology areas ranging from design of new materials to the development of digital software platforms to support adoption of additive manufacturing in the aerospace industry.
“This project, focused on advancing the manufacturing readiness level of ABD®-1000AM®, is a great example of where ATI Programme funding helps UK companies to bridge the gap between early research and industry development programs.
“ABD®-1000AM® is the world’s highest temperature nickel-based superalloy designed for additive manufacture. We have identified huge demand for this material and believe it will be a game changing technology for gas turbines across aerospace propulsion and industrial power generation.”
Alloyed originated from the aerospace materials group at the University of Oxford and specialises in computational materials design and advanced additive manufacturing strategies.
Cranfield University’s National High Temperature Surface Engineering Centre will apply its expertise in high-temperature materials degradation and protective coatings to develop tailored surface solutions for ABD®-1000AM®.
The ITP Aero UK team brings extensive experience in combustor technology and works alongside major OEMs across commercial and defence aviation.
Chris McDonald, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Minister for Industry), said:
“This is a strong example of how government and business can work together to keep the UK at the forefront of innovation in our world-class aerospace sector, and I look forward to seeing how Alloyed’s project can contribute to the jet engines of the future.
“We’re bolstering our support for the aerospace industry through our modern Industrial Strategy – giving business the confidence it needs to invest in UK advanced manufacturing and delivering on growth as part of our Plan for Change.”
Rob Mitchell, Director of Engineering for ITP Aero UK, said:
“ITP Aero is committed to a wide range of research and development programmes across the regions in which it operates. AMRAM is another good example of how partnering across academia, SMEs and industrial partners can directly shape the future of the aerospace industry.
“We are delighted to support Alloyed and Cranfield University in the pursuit of this enhanced capability for combustor technology. We look forward to working together to discover how this advancement can make a real-life difference to our industry, the technology we are developing today, and the future projects we are focused on for the pioneers of tomorrow.”
Alloyed employs around 150 people and, in March 2025, announced £37 million in investment from British, Japanese and German backers to expand its digital design software and additive manufacturing facilities.
