World’s largest additive machine will produce metre-cubed aero components
The additive manufacturing division of GE is developing what it claims will be the world's largest laser-powder additive manufacturing machine.
Specially tailored for the aerospace industry, the machine will be able to print in a build envelope of one metre cubed.
"The machine will 3D print aviation parts that are one metre in diameter, suitable for making jet engine structural components and parts for single-aisle aircraft," said Mohammad Ehteshami vice president and General Manager of GE Additive. "The machine will also be applicable for manufacturers in the automotive, power, and oil and gas industries."
An initial demonstrator machine, called “ATLAS” – will be unveiled in November at the Formnext Show in Frankfurt, Germany. According to the firm this will be “metre-class” in at least two directions.
The machine's production version – which will be metre class in all directions – will, it is claimed, boast feature resolution and build-rate speeds equal or better than today's additive machines and will be able to use multiple materials, including non-reactive and reactive materials (such as aluminium and titanium).
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