News of a China-developed, 3D-printed mini jet engine shows how the technology is enabling global change.
The news described the first successful test flight of a fully 3D-printed jet engine, made by Aero Engines Corporation of China. The small prototype was flown at a maximum altitude of 4,000 metres, somewhat less than typical airliner operating altitudes.
The press release explained that the engine had used “multi-disciplinary topology optimization additive manufacturing (3D printing) techniques”.
While this small engine won’t be powering any aircraft in production, it does hit a milestone for the aerospace industry in China.
China has companies producing large commercial aircraft, but these usually rely on Western engines, such as those from Pratt & Whitney or GE Aerospace. That might be viewed as a liability by the Chinese government, given the current state of international relations.
The ability for a local Chinese company to produce viable jet engines independent from the West would be a highly desirable goal for China. This engine test clearly demonstrates that Aero Engines Corporation of China is well on its way to achieving that goal.
This is largely possible through the presence of advanced metal 3D print technology, which apparently has been extensively used on this project. You can bet the forthcoming larger versions of this concept will also be made with the same technologies.
Via Xinhua
