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Da Vinci Code 2.0

3D printing of high-tech aerospace components

© by Avio Aero / GE Reports / YouTube

Source | Avio Aero / GE Reports / YouTube | 06 March 2024 1 minute
The world of 3D printing is slowly but surely opening up to us. With the advancement of technologies, 3D printing offers ample opportunities for different industries, in particular the aviation industry. 3D printing is formally known as “additive manufacturing”. The process, born in 1984, is basically a method where successive layers of material are laid down under computer control. GE is a leading provider of 3D-printed components and strives to push the boundaries of 3D printing technology. GE Aviation has big plans for the future: By 2020, the company aims to manufacture 100k additive parts. Every year, GE invests 6 billion US Dollars in R&D every year. The company was the first to manufacture a fully 3D-printed miniature jet engine that was actually functioning. What may sound like a futuristic goal of the far future is in fact reality today. The first 3D-printed fuel nozzle was already included into GE’s bestselling Leap engine. And believe it or not, the same material found in a knee replacement called cobalt-chromium alloy is also used to produce the jet engine parts. In other words, this novel technology will undoubtedly contribute to countless industries across the globe and is likely to revolutionize future manufacturing processes. For more please check out www.ge.com/reports