3D-print jet engines

Researchers for the first time in the world, printed two jet engines using sophisticated 3D printers that can make complex objects using metals like titanium and aluminium.This has attracted the interest of major manufacturers and engineering firms.The machines produced using the template of a gas turbine engine from French aircraft engine maker Safran, which supplies Airbus and Boeing-demonstrated the potential 3D printing had to produce high-quality products, researchers from Melbourne's Monash University said.

The university's Ian Smith said that "the significance is the recognition by major manufacturers and engineering companies like Safran and Airbus that the material you can print using 3D metal printing is of aircraft quality and I think that's hugely significant"."It's a disruptive technology. We've seen a lot happening in the plastics and polymer space but this is exciting because it's now metals and light metals and things like titanium nickel and aluminium" he added.

3D printing was invented in the 80's and employs laser to "print" objects from metals or plastics according to a digital design.There has been a recent upsurge in interest tied to patents on the way for competition that will drive up quality and push down prices.Wu Xinhua, from Monash University said her team created the machines by pulling apart the old engine and scanning its components with the complex project taking a year to complete.

One of the engines are in display at the International Airshow in Melbourne and in Toulouse at the French aerospace company Microturbo. The head of the research and technology at Microturbo  Jean-Francois Rideau said that" Xinhua and her Monash team have demonstrated their mastery of additive manufacturing in metal".

Smith said that the technology could also be used in building prototypes and customised components quickly and cheaply. The 3D metal printers could also be used in the biomedical industry to create body parts or equipments Some of the biggest opportunities lies in the medical space where bespoke parts for the body-replacement joints and hips can be made.

"A lot of surgeons want to make their own instruments that are customised for them or a particular surgical procedure" he said.

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Source; Mumbai Mirror