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Added Value: New GE Center Helps Companies Catch-Up On 3D Printing

At ge.com - Added Value: New GE Center Helps Companies Catch Up On 3D Printing -Jan 8, 2018

3D printing is taking off. Literally.

Just a few weeks ago, GE Aviation fired up for the first time the Advanced Turboprop engine. The company 3D printed 35 percent of the engine, combining 855 parts into just 12. 3D printing helped GE designers shave off more than 100 pounds in weight, improve fuel burn by as much as 20 percent, give the engine 10 percent more power and simplify maintenance compared with older GE turboprops. “This engine is a game-changer,” said Paul Corkery, general manager of the Advanced Turboprop program.

The ATP is the latest GE machine that takes advantage of additive manufacturing, a family of new industrial technologies that includes 3D printing. GE has invested $3 billion in the space, including $200 million in research and development, and launched a new business unit called GE Additive. The company acquired majority stakes in 3D-printer makers Concept Laser and Arcam, which also make the special powders used for metal printing.

That investment is bearing fruit. 3D-printed fuel nozzles already are at work inside engines that power Airbus and Boeing passenger jets. GE has shipped 25,000 3D-printed parts to date.