Rolls-Royce is gearing up to use 3D printing to produce components for its jet engines as a means of speeding up production and making parts more lightweight, reports Sunday Times.
According to the newspaper, Rolls-Royce's head of technology Henner Wapenhans says the company is a few years away from using the technology to produce parts that go into service. "3D printing opens up new possibilities, new design space," Wapenhans is quoted as saying. "Through the 3D printing process, you're not constrained by having to get a tool in to create a shape. You can create any shape you like."
Wapenhans reportedly says 3D printing can be used to reduce the weight of parts such as brackets. He declined to give examples of other parts that can be printed, but supposedly said it is more a matter of individual parts that are ready to be released into production, as opposed to large parts of an engine. He also told the newspaper that 3D printing will allow Rolls-Royce to slash its lead times and gain an "inventory advantage" with less need to store parts.
Last month, Gartner forecast that worldwide shipments of 3D printers, priced less than $100 000, will grow 49% this year to reach a total of 56 507 units. The company also predicted 3D printing will have a high impact on industries, including consumer products, industrial and manufacturing; a medium impact on construction, education, energy, government, medical products, military, retail, telecommunications, transportation and utilities; and a low impact on banking, financial services and insurance.
Share