The challenge
Long wait to build jet engines
Building jet engine components using traditional manufacturing processes typically takes between six months and two years.
Due to the rapid development of engine designs in the aviation industry, this can make it difficult for manufacturers to keep up with prototyping.
Our response
Creating the world's first 3D printed jet engines
A team of scientists at our 3D printing facility Lab 22 have helped create the world's first 3D printed jet engines.
Monash University's Centre for Additive Manufacturing led the project in collaboration with Lab 22 researchers and Deakin University. The project was supported by funding from the Science Industry Endowment Fund
These engines aren't just remarkable because they've been 3D-printed, but because they were created using a range of different additive manufacturing technologies and successfully combined into a finished product that wouldn't otherwise have been possible.
We used our Arcam Electron Beam Melting printer in combination with cold spray technology to produce a range of components for the engines, which also used a new titanium metal powder we developed that performs better than previously used products, and is also cheaper to use.
The results
Pushing the boundaries in 3D printing
The 3D-printed jet engines demonstrate that test parts can be produced in days instead of months. This could result in incredible benefits for the international aeronautical industry.
As we continue to expand our range of additive manufacturing machines at Lab 22, we're able to further push the boundaries by developing new techniques that harness the expanded commercial and technical capabilities available.