Thanks to the new 3D-printing technology, the weight of aircraft engine parts will decrease by up to 40% compared with samples produced by traditional methods. This was stated by Rostec.
The state corporation explained that when using additive technologies, special cooling channels of various shapes can be created inside engine blades.
This makes it possible to dissipate heat in the way required by the laws of physics, rather than in the way a machine tool allows. As a result, the engine operates more efficiently and more economically.
Modern materials for 3D printing also make it possible to maintain the necessary strength and wear resistance. In addition, instead of assembling a product from many parts, it is possible to print a single integral component right away.
This is more reliable: fewer seams, joints, and weak points. Most importantly, these are not experiments but real practices that are used in aircraft engine production.
Recall that the dry weight of the PD-14 engine is 2,870 kg, and its takeoff thrust is 14,000 kgf. The weight of the PD-8 engine with nacelle is estimated at 2,300 kg with takeoff-mode thrust of about 8,000 kgf.
ODK engineers are working to reduce the weight of both engines by using carbon fiber reinforced plastic and optimizing the design.