3D's test flight

Additive manufacturing in aerospace is starting to gain importance in the aerospace industry. One of the most prominent examples is General Electric (GE) Company's advanced manufacturing facility in Auburn, AL., while 3D parts have taken been implemented in the form of drones and the initial use of AM technology by NASA in space. GE is scheduled to start mass 3D production of the complex interiors of fuel nozzles for its next-generation LEAP engine. GE says that the nozzles made with direct metal laser melting are five times more durable than the previous model. The GE nozzles, which supply fuel to a jet engine, will consist of one part instead of 20, reducing the number of brazes and welds required traditional manufacturing besides increasing durability.