Metal additive parts.
For the ready.
Wherever you are in your additive process, we have the expertise and solutions to accelerate your speed to market with additive technology.
CASE STUDY: LEAP FUEL NOZZLE
GE Aviation produced its first Federal Aviation Administration-certified additively manufactured fuel nozzle in 2015. Since then, more than 60,000 fuel tips have been manufactured, reducing inventory for that part by 95% and lowering cost on the component by 30%.
Results and Benefits
- 20-to-1 part reduction
- 25% weight reduction, resulting in reduced fuel consumption over the life of the aircraft
- 95% inventory reduction
- 30% cost-efficiency improvement
- 5x more durable
CASE STUDY: AK MEDICAL
Leveraging metal additive Electron Beam Melting (EBM) technology, AK Medical was able to scale production of orthopedic implants while developing innovative, customized solutions. For over a decade, the company has successfully used EBM technology to deliver a diverse range of customized, metal additive implants as well as large-scale, off-the-shelf parts.
Results and additive Benefits
- 5 metal additive implants certified by the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA)
- Customized, patient-specific metal additive implants designed to address complicated diseases
- 38% cost savings on acetabular cups with EBM technology, compared to other additive technologies
- 100% increased revenue from metal additive implants during the first half of 2018
- Ability to stack parts in the build chamber for increased productivity
- Integration of mesh structures to enhance osseointegration
- 8 Arcam EBM Q10plus machines scaled volume production in-house
CASE STUDY: US AIR FORCE
The US Air Force was searching for ways to procure crucial spare parts it needs for planes that have been in service for decades and for which used parts are scarce. Using Direct Metal Laser Melting (DMLM) technology, GE’s engineers teamed with USAF to build a 3D-printed sump cover for the GE F110 engine. The sump is part of the oil lubrication system, and the sump cover is a key part of the engine. GE engineers were able to help the US Air Force realize the capability and capacity of metal AM as rapidly as possible to improve readiness and sustainability.
Results and Benefits
- Increased efficiency while maintaining quality
- Saved time and costs
- Enabled on-demand production
CASE STUDY: PURE COPPER INDUCTOR COIL
A typical inductor coil is comprised of many parts joined together. With EBM, a coil can be made as one durable part for better performance and quality, enabling reduced product costs associated with assembling several parts together.
Results and Benefits
- Part durability is increased by combining parts into one build.
- Electrical conductivity > 99% IACS is attained.
- Final parts exhibit highly dense properties.
CASE STUDY: GEAR HOB
Using EBM technology, GE manufactured a highly alloyed tool steel gear hob. Additive manufacturing enabled the company to minimize post-processing, save costs and improve wear resistance and ductility.
Results and Benefits
- Achieved high hardness of 62-63 Rockwell hardness C (HRC)
- Built free-floating in sintered powder
- Manufactured in near-net shape
