In the additive manufacturing projects this year, the Czech Republic is getting a new 3D printing plant. GE Aviation, which aims to increase its capacity for a large jet project, will build a facility in the region.
As the global prevalence of 3D continues to multiply, the number of printing facilities in all regions is increasing. In the Czech Republic, the first 3D printed car of the country is now being tested on Prague roads, it is now clear that a 3D printing factory will be opened in the region. This plant, which will be established by GE Aviation partnership, is expected to begin production in 2022.
The factory is planned to be opened outside of Prague, and will be used for a very important project currently on GE’s agenda. GE, which has been involved in the project with the idea of redeveloping Cessna Denali with 3D, one of the private jets of US aviation company Cessna, is using metal 3D investments for this work. It is aimed to produce a new Cessna Denali private jet, propeller motor, which can accommodate about 8 people and is quite comfortable.
GE Aviation: Less Material More Savings
It is said that GE will spend $ 400 million for the production of this engine; which is planned to be strong enough to fly from Miami to New York. The company will benefit from the advantages of 3D technology in the production process; and will save money on materials and parts. In this way, 11 pieces will be produced with 3D instead of 845 pieces to be produced by the conventional method. Cessna Denali, which consumes less fuel with fewer parts, is expected to save fuel by 20%. It was also said that the jet will be 10% stronger and much lighter, even though it has fewer pieces.
Talking about the work they carried out with the 3D advantage, Milan Slapak, GE Aviation Turboprop Program Manager, said; “It’s based on a very simple physics rule; the more metal you load, the more money you will spend to keep it in the air. In addition, fewer parts means less time on design, production and verification. 3D printing, which makes it possible, is a complete ‘game-changer’ technology and radically changes production chain.”
This new plant; which is expected to increase its 3D activities in the Czech Republic in general; was announced to focus on production of 500 workers and production of turbojet engine parts. The results of the Cessna Denali project; which is intended to accelerate with this plant; are under the lens of the aviation and 3D industry.