09/01/2018
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.
3D printing is taking off. Literally. Just a few weeks ago, GE Aviation fired up for the first time the …