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. It is possible to make items that were impossible before thanks to technological advances. These items include fuel nozzles that can be used with the LEAP engine of GE Aviation. You can also create objects that support the achievement of the Global Goals.
,
,
,
,
,
,
Higher quality raw materials
,
Using 3D printing as a tool for product development has been a boon to manufacturers. This has simplified production and reduced waste. In addition,it can be used to design and manufacture parts with specific 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. Besides,they can be reinforced with fibers,which enhances strength without adding weight.
,
It is important to understand how to maximize 3D printing’s benefits and maximize the quality of final products. This has led to the development of a 3D printing quality assessment procedure,which is intended to eliminate structural defects and improve product quality. The quality assessment procedure is intended to provide gradual improvement of the quality of the 3D printed object. It is based on the premise that the quality of a 3D printed object is a function of several factors: the geometry of the object,the extrusion temperature,the amount of molten polymer extruded per time unit,and the amount of molten polymer used during the printing process.
,
The best quality was obtained using the highest k value of the above mentioned criteria. The highest k value among the three test cases was 0.98. This resulted in satisfactory sealing properties for all 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. Another intriguing observation was that the amount of gas released was comparable to that obtained using scanning electron microscopy.
,
Advancement of the Global Goals
,
3D printing emerged as an innovative tool for industrial production in the last two decades. 3D printing is now a viable option in manufacturing,prototyping and education. In the future,it will be integrated into hospitals and pharmacies.
,
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. Businesses must find ways to produce high-quality products that conform to environmental regulations in order to make it more environmentally friendly.
,
Another challenge to address is the output speed of the technology. It is possible for projects in additive manufacturing to produce parts with different designs than originally designed. Post processing can be used to fix any differences in order to increase production speed and reduce cost. The recycling process can be made easier by using transparent tracking systems for raw materials.
,
Both new ways to use existing technologies or expanding existing product lines will bring innovation. The market will also grow as more 3D printing materials become industrial grade. For industrial applications,materials that are biodegradable and bio-based will be considered.
,
Capital infusion is a key driver of the development and expansion of platform technologies. M&A activity has been stimulated by capital infusion. The market will continue to grow and is expected to stay strong for at least 10 years. Many industrial companies are working with 3D printing to replace traditional methods of material processing.
,
To address major challenges,the entire industry must come together. As 3D printing expands into new industries,it will create new opportunities for businesses to produce high-quality,eco-friendly products. The technology could eventually replace traditional methods of material processing. The use of 3D printing technologies will continue to grow,and it is expected to be a major driver of innovation in the future.
,
GE Aviation’s LEAP engine uses 3D printed fuel nozzles
,
GE Aviation’s LEAP engines use 3D printed fuel nozzles. It is the first engine worldwide to utilize this technology. The nozzle weighs 25 percent less and is five times more powerful than a traditional nozzle,according to GE.
,
GE said it plans to make $3.5 billion in investments in additive manufacturing over the next five years. It will also produce 100,000 parts through this technology by 2020. This investment will lead to cost savings and an increase in factory capacity. GE also plans on increasing the number of employees at its Auburn plant in Ala. to 300.
,
The GE Aviation LeAP engine is a commercial-jet engine that can be found on Airbus,Boeing,IndiGo and other planes. It is known for its low emissions and high fuel efficiency. The total number of fuel nozzles in each LEAP engine is 18 to 19,all of which were made with 3D printing. The nozzle is made to withstand high temperatures.
,
The LEAP engine can be found at GE’s LEAP Engine Assembly facility in Lafayette,Indiana. The factory employs 230 workers and produces LEAP engines for Airbus as well as Boeing. It has produced 1,578 engines to date.
,
This factory also produces heat exchanging,blades,sensors,and other products. Auburn is the first factory to mass-manufacture parts for an aircraft engine.
,
The LEAP engine can be described as one of today’s most advanced aircraft engines. The LEAP engine 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 thermal efficiency is also increased.
,
GE Aviation is a major manufacturer of jet engines around the globe. In 2013,the company cleared $22 billion in revenue. GE plans to increase its additive manufacturing capabilities and increase employee capacity this year. It also plans to produce large-scale LEAP engines at its Auburn,Ala.,plant. Direct metal laser melting will be used to produce parts from a 3D computer design.
,
The LEAP engine has been the most successful in the aviation sector. The engine’s orders have a value of nearly $96 billion.
,