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GE Is 3D Printing a Working Jet Engine

Posted by samzenpus on from the proof-of-concept dept.

lurking_giant writes: GE Aviation's Additive Development Center near Cincinnati has produced a number of firsts but they are now demonstrating a working 3D-printed jet engine, (OK, it's sized for an RC model). The engine turns at 33,000 RPM and is made from all 3D metal printed parts. They used the same EOS M270 3D printer that they use to produce the first and only FAA flight approved hardware, a T25 Pres and temp sensor for use in GE90 jumbo jet engines.

1 of 72 comments (clear)

  1. Re:How long by kbonin · · Score: 5, Interesting

    DMLS printing uses metal powders sintered by high power lasers. The metals not only include Titanium and Inconel (rocket engine superalloy), but can include gradient transitions between them in the same piece. While some surface work may be required for some applications, the crystalline structure of the metal itself is of finer quality that that produced by machining + annealing used for high grade parts the old fashioned way.

    These are not your homebrew melted plastic filament printers, and they are changing manufacturing.