Additive metal techniques will go far beyond a few specialized uses and disrupt the way aircraft engines and some other aircraft parts are made, says Udo Burggraf, business development manager for GE Additive and its subsidiary Concept Laser.
In a webinar sponsored by Michigan State University’s Department of Mechanical Engineering, Burggraf provided the reasoning behind his expectation that these factorswill have powerful knock-on effects on engine and aviation aftermarkets as well.
Focusing on Direct Metal Laser Melting (DMLM), his preferred additive technology, the GE exec argues, “it will change the way engineers design, OEMs makes and shops maintain engines.”
Surveying GE’s use of additive on its LEAP, Advanced CT7 and Advanced Turboprop engines, Burggraf says the new technology has already generated $5 billion in internal cost savings from the ability to produce bigger parts made from better materials and with moreefficient systems. Moreover, he emphasizes that GE intends to share about 90% of its additive expertise with the market, retaining only 10% for its internal use.
Read more: GE Expects Additive Metal To Transform Aerospace New-Make And Aftermarket