Signicast expands casting capacity as aerospace demand strains supply chain
Signicast is expanding its titanium and high-strength aluminium casting capabilities as growing aerospace and defence production places greater pressure on a limited specialist supply chain.
Speaking to Aerospace Global News at the Farnborough International Airshow, Eric Roegner, CEO of Signicast parent company Form Technologies, said the manufacturer was investing to support original equipment manufacturers and Tier 1 suppliers in Europe and North America.
“As aerospace and defence grows and the complexity of these parts increases, there is a limited supply chain,” Roegner explained. “Particularly in the world of titanium investment castings and high-strength aluminium castings, the world is running a bit short of capacity. That’s where we come in.”
What does Signicast manufacture?
Signicast specialises in investment casting, a manufacturing process capable of producing intricate metal components with complex geometries.
The company works with titanium, aluminium, steel and Inconel, producing parts for commercial aircraft, defence systems and other demanding applications.
Investment casting can also allow engineers to replace assemblies comprising several individual pieces with a single cast structure. Roegner said components previously manufactured from seven, eight or even 12 parts could potentially be consolidated into one continuous piece.
This can reduce weight and assembly requirements while delivering structural benefits, an increasingly important consideration as aerospace manufacturers seek lighter and more efficient platforms.
“One of the amazing things about aerospace and defence is that the growth rate is phenomenal,” Roegner said. “At the same time, the need to make lighter-weight products is increasing.”
From individual casting to finished component
Alongside growing demand for complex structures, Signicast is seeing customers move away from procuring individual castings, forgings or metal plates from multiple suppliers.
Instead, OEMs and Tier 1 manufacturers increasingly want a single company to deliver completed components that are ready for installation.
Signicast offers machining, surface treatment, coatings, assembly and kitting alongside its core casting capabilities. This allows the company to support a product from its initial design and manufacture through to a finished component.
“Whatever their need, we will get them the casting, machine it, surface-treat it, assemble it, do any other coatings they need and kit it,” Roegner said.
“They come to us and we’ll get them a part they can put on their aircraft.”
Signicast components support aircraft and weapons
Although confidentiality agreements prevent Signicast from naming many of the programmes it supports, Roegner outlined the types of applications served by the company.
Its structural castings can be found throughout an aircraft, including in fuselages, wings and landing gear. These components are designed to carry loads and must meet demanding aerospace quality and performance requirements.
Defence applications include parts for missiles, larger munitions and ground-based weapon systems, including moving gun platforms.
“If it moves and it’s metal, we’re on it,” Roegner said. “Whatever application it is and whatever type of metal structure you need, we can work with our customers and engineer a solution.”
Titanium capability supports Signicast growth
Signicast added titanium casting to its portfolio through the acquisition of FS Precision’s intellectual property and specialist equipment in 2025.
The acquired technology was integrated into Signicast’s Hutchins facility in Texas, adding vacuum-alloy manufacturing capabilities alongside machining, sub-assembly and packaging.
The company is now working to ensure it has sufficient titanium and aluminium capacity on both sides of the Atlantic as aircraft and defence manufacturers increase production.
Roegner said Signicast wanted to work alongside customers and invest in the capabilities required to solve complicated metallic manufacturing challenges.
“If you’re an OEM or a Tier 1 and you need to solve a complicated metallic problem, particularly involving titanium or aluminium castings, and you want someone who is willing to invest and grow with you, we’re the ones,” he concluded.
“We’re doing it right now.”
