3D Printing: Why is it Important for the Future?

3D printing technology is an important part of the future, regardless of whether you’re a fan or not. The technology has advanced to the point that it is now possible to make items previously impossible. One example of such items is fuel nozzles for GE Aviation’s LEAP engine. In addition, it is possible to create objects that help in the advancement of the Global Goals.

Quality of raw materials has improved

3D printing has proven to be a huge boon for manufacturers. It has helped to streamline production processes and reduce waste. You can even design and produce parts with certain properties. It can make high-quality components that are durable, lightweight and customizable.  Plastics, in particular, are popular in the automotive sector due to their light weight and high fuel efficiency. They can also be reinforced with fibers which increases strength and reduces weight.

The main question is how to best maximize the benefits of 3D printing to maximize the quality of the final product. A 3D printing quality assessment process was developed to identify and eliminate structural defects, as well as improve product quality. The quality assessment process is designed to gradually improve the quality of 3D printed objects. It is based upon the idea that quality is dependent on several factors, including the geometry of the object and the extrusion temperatures, the amount molten polmer extruded per hour unit, as well as the amount of molten polmer used during printing.

The highest k value in the above-mentioned criteria was used to achieve the best quality. The highest k values of all three cases were k = 0.98. This yielded satisfactory sealing characteristics for all tested materials. This k value is indicative of the quality of 3D printed objects. There were interesting observations such as bubbles arising from the object’s intrinsic pores. These bubbles (or gas releases) corresponded with the density of the objects’ pores. A further interesting observation was that the amount gas released was comparable with that observed using scanning electron microscopes.

Advancement of the Global Goals

During the past two decades, 3D printing has emerged as a new tool for industrial production. It is now a viable option in manufacturing, prototyping education, R&D, and manufacturing. 3D printing will soon be integrated into hospitals, pharmacies, and other healthcare facilities.

The downsides of additive manufacturing are not to be underestimated. Toxic byproducts can have a negative effect on the environment. Although researchers are still working on solutions, there is much more work to be done before the technology can be considered sustainable. To make it sustainable, businesses need to develop materials production methods that are both environmentally-friendly and ensure high quality products.

The technology’s output speed is another challenge. Projects using additive manufacturing can have a different output speed than the design. This could lead to parts that are not in line with the design.  The post processing can fix the differences and increase production time. The recycling process can be made easier by using transparent tracking systems for raw materials.

Innovation will be generated by both new twists on existing technologies as well as expanding product ranges of existing players. The market will also grow as more 3D printing materials become industrial grade. Materials that are biodegradable or bio-based polymers will also be considered for industrial applications.

Capital infusion is a key driver of the development and expansion of platform technologies. M&A activity was also stimulated by the capital infusion. As the market continues to develop, the market is expected to remain strong for at least the next decade. Several industrial companies are currently working on using 3D printing as an alternative to traditional materials processing methods.

Ultimately, the industry must work together to address large challenges. 3D printing will open up new markets for companies to create high-quality and eco-friendly products. The technology will eventually replace traditional materials processing tools. 3D printing will continue to grow and it is expected that it will be a key driver of innovation in future.

GE Aviation’s LEAP engine uses 3D-printed fuel nozzles

GE Aviation’s LEAP engine uses 3D printed fuel nozzles, making it the first engine in the world to use the new technology. The nozzle weighs 25 percent less and is five times more powerful than a traditional nozzle, according to GE.

GE announced that it intends to invest $3.5B in additive manufacturing over five years. It plans to also manufacture 100,000 parts using this technology by 2020. The investment will result in cost savings and increased capacity at the factory. GE plans to increase its Auburn, Ala. plant’s employee capacity to 300.

The GE Aviation LEAP engine, a commercial jet engine, has been installed on Airbus, Boeing and IndiGo planes. It is well-known for its high fuel efficiency, low emissions, and other benefits. Each LEAP engine has a total of 18 or 19 fuel nozzles, each of which was produced using 3D printing. The nozzle can withstand extreme temperatures.

The LEAP engine is produced at GE’s LEAP Engine Assembly plant in Lafayette, Indiana.  The factory employs 230 workers and produces LEAP engines for Airbus as well as Boeing. It has completed 1,578 engines so far.

Also, the factory produces heat exchangers and blades as well as sensors. Auburn is the industry’s first facility to mass-manufacture aircraft engine parts.

The LEAP engine can be described as one of today’s most advanced aircraft engines. It features next-generation materials, such as ceramic matrix composites. These materials are twice as temperature-resistant as traditional metal alloys. The new engine will save about 15 percent of carbon emissions and reduce fuel consumption. The engine’s efficiency in terms of heat is also improved.

GE Aviation is a major manufacturer of jet engines around the globe. The company had $22 billion in revenues in 2013. This year, GE plans to expand its additive manufacturing capability and expand employee capacity. It also plans to produce large-scale LEAP engines at its Auburn, Ala., plant. It will also use direct metal laser melting to grow parts directly using a 3D computer drawing.

The LEAP engine has been the most successful in the aviation sector. The engine’s orders have a value of nearly $96 billion.