Although the capabilities of 3D printing technology have begun to expand exponentially (remember the excitement just a few short years ago when 3D printers first began to spit out rudimentary plastic figurines?), even we weren’t ready for a printed product that can belch flame and roar like a jet fighter. But that’s exactly what the engineers at GE demonstrate in this video.
The technology behind 3D printing has allowed the process to evolve into servicing many different industries; the engineering and development potential is off the charts, as evidenced by the engine seen here. Turning imagination into reality at a much faster pace than ever thought possible previously is a hallmark of the 3D printing process. GE’s engineers have taken concepts out of the development stages and turned them into real-life, this-is-happening-now reality.
Using a technology known as DMLM (direct metal laser melting, a GE version of direct metal laser sintering (DMLS), in which powdered metal is heated with lasers guided by a 3D printing program and then layered until the product is finished), GE managed to create this fully functional jet engine for a radio-controlled plane.
DMLS was developed by the German firm EOS, and this engine was created in an EOS M270 printer. Besides demonstrating that complex, close-tolerance parts (i.e., jet-engine components) are perfect candidates for CAD-assisted 3D printing, this test-firing–in which the engine was brought up to 33,000 RPMs–also shows the levels of durability that can be achieved. Who doesn’t love the sound of a turbine at full song? Stand back–and enjoy!
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