Aircraft engine manufactured using 3D printing.
The first aircraft engine to be manufactured in commercial quantities using 3D printing will fly by the end of this year. 35% of its parts are made using 3D printing. Manufactured by General Electric Aviation (GE Aviation), this engine belongs to the turboprop category, used for small and personal aircraft unlike jet engines used for larger passenger planes.
3D printing allowed the design and production team to radically change the engine’s design cycle. They went from concept to final product in just two years, less than half the usual time. Additionally, the number of engine parts was reduced from 855 to only 12, enabling new levels of performance, efficiency, and ease of maintenance. The new engine is 5% lighter, provides 10% more power, burns 20% less fuel, and can operate an additional 1,000 hours before needing major maintenance.