Australian researchers unveiled the world's first 3D-printed jet engine on Thursday, a manufacturing breakthrough that could lead to cheaper, lighter and more fuel-efficient jets. Australia has the potential to corner the market today.
As a collaboration project between an Australian university, Monash University and Amaero Engineering, the organizations have created two 3D printed metal jet engines that have all required working parts of a functioning gas turbine engine. The newly developed engines have already attracted giants in the aeronautics industry such as Airbus, Boeing and Raytheon. These engines will allow aerospace companies to compress their development cycles, as this method of creating prototype engines will boost production of engines to three or four times faster than the current method. The company also plans to have printed engine components in flight tests within the next 12 months and certified for commercial use within the next two to three years. The company also claims that 3D printing can cut production times for components from three months to just six days.
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Ian Smith, Monash University's Vice-President for Research, said it was very different to the melting, moulding and carving of the past. One of the proof-of-concept jet engines was on display this week at the International Air Show in Avalon, Victoria. The second is being displayed at the French aerospace company Microturbo, which originally challenged the university to build the engines two years ago.
