The Center for Additive Technologies (CAT) of the United Engine Corporation proposed changing the approach to confirming the characteristics of metal parts manufactured using 3D printing. Instead of fully repeating tests for each product, it is proposed to use a common evidence base for different components made from the same material. The initiative was presented at the ATLaS forum panel discussions.
In traditional manufacturing, the properties of metal are determined, in particular, by testing standard samples of the blank material. In additive manufacturing, metal powder is layer-by-layer transformed into a finished product, so to confirm the characteristics, the specifics of the printing process must be taken into account. CAT points out that checking mechanical properties, long-term strength, creep, and corrosion resistance increases the qualification time for parts before mass production.
The Center proposes using the results of testing a sample of one part to confirm the characteristics of other products made from the same material. According to CAT representatives, this will reduce the volume of tests and accelerate the introduction of additive technologies in aircraft engine manufacturing. At the same time, for main and particularly critical components, it is proposed to maintain stricter requirements than for non-critical parts.
Additive technologies are already used in the manufacture of components for PD-8, PD-14 engines and the promising PD-35.
To expand 3D printing in industry, CAT also considers it necessary to train more engineers who can design parts taking into account the capabilities of additive manufacturing and support their production. The center has developed special educational programs for training such specialists.