New Mexico-based 3D printing options supplier, Optomec, has launched an unbiased examine displaying the validity of automated laser cladding for fuel turbine engine repairs.
The examine, carried out by Terry VanderWert, a 40-year veteran in laser course of applied sciences, was commissioned by Optomec and concludes the automated metallic additive manufacturing resolution may present a 180% ROI over the guide processes used at present.
Aviation upkeep, restore, and overhaul
Reliability and high quality are crucial within the aviation trade. Plane are in operation for longer to counteract the scarcity of viable plane fashions, placing strain on upkeep, restore, and overhaul (MRO) service facilities to optimize their effectivity and work high quality.
Main aviation publication, Aviation Week, even named half scarcity as a key development in its high ten MRO market predictions for 2020.
Automated laser cladding for fuel generators
The examine goals to ship a greater understanding of how automated laser cladding has helped MRO service facilities and plane engine producers make sooner repairs whereas retaining excessive requirements.
The data supplied within the examine features a thorough comparability of guide welding methods and automatic laser cladding expertise for blade tip and Z-form restore. That is made up of high quality comparisons, value comparisons, and in-depth ROI comparisons. The examine additionally particulars different related enterprise concerns reminiscent of the necessity for a course of that may adapt to completely different parts, post-cladding metallic ending methods, and optimized practices in creating restore software path applications.
Mike Dean, Advertising Director at Optomec, said: “The world’s main aviation firms use automated laser cladding for Upkeep, Restore, and Overhaul (MRO) – but roughly 80% of all blade and vane restore continues to be finished manually at present. The objective of this paper was to indicate how small and mid-size service facilities can benefit from laser cladding whereas attaining an ROI on their funding and bettering MRO high quality.”
The outcomes of the examine, together with pattern components demonstrating the laser cladding expertise, will probably be on show on the MRO Americas 2020 Conference from April 28-30 on the Kay Bailey Hutchinson Conference Middle in Dallas, Texas.
The examine is titled The Enterprise Case for Automated Laser Cladding in Aviation Element Restore: 5 Classes Discovered.
Optomec’s LENS AM methods has beforehand been used to produce rocket engine components to help NASA’s future moon missions. The corporate’s AM options additionally allow 3D printed copper components utilizing its LENS system, helpful for warmth exchangers and different high-conductivity purposes.
The nominations for the 2020 3D Printing Trade Awards at the moment are open. Who do you assume ought to make the shortlists for this 12 months’s present? Have your say now.
Subscribe to the 3D Printing Trade e-newsletter for the newest information in additive manufacturing. You may as well keep linked by following us on Twitter and liking us on Fb.
In search of a profession in additive manufacturing? Go to 3D Printing Jobs for a number of roles within the trade.
Featured picture reveals view inside an aviation hangar. Picture by way of Optomec.