Key Takeaways
- Velo3D and Aurelia Technologies partner to advance additive manufacturing in next-generation gas turbine systems
- The partnership aims to improve design consolidation, iteration, supply chain resilience, and cost reduction
- Velo3D's Sapphire XC platform will be used for component feasibility evaluation, material and process development, and low-rate initial production
- Additive manufacturing is expected to simplify designs, reduce part counts, and improve robustness in high-temperature, high-stress environments
Introduction to Additive Manufacturing in Turbine Systems
Velo3D, Inc. and Aurelia Technologies have announced a strategic partnership to advance the use of additive manufacturing in next-generation gas turbine systems. This partnership is a significant step forward in the adoption of additive manufacturing in the energy and propulsion industries.
Aurelia's Engineering-Led Decision to Adopt Additive Manufacturing
Aurelia Technologies has chosen to adopt additive manufacturing as a key tool in its continuous-improvement strategy. By using additive manufacturing, Aurelia aims to simplify designs, reduce part counts, and improve robustness in high-temperature, high-stress environments. This approach will help to reduce complexity, minimize fasteners and joints, and lower long-term maintenance risk.
Partnership Scope and Technical Focus
The partnership between Velo3D and Aurelia Technologies will focus on a phased additive manufacturing program. The program will include:
- Component feasibility evaluation
- Material and process development
- Progression toward qualification and low-rate initial production using Velo3D's Sapphire XC platform
The initial efforts will focus on evaluating the benefits of additive manufacturing in select turbine components and high-performance alloys.
Comparison of Traditional and Additive Manufacturing
| Manufacturing Method | Design Complexity | Part Count | Lead Time | Manufacturability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional | Limited | High | Long | Challenging |
| Additive Manufacturing | High | Low | Short | Simplified |
Strengthening Supply Chain Resilience and Cost Structure
The partnership between Velo3D and Aurelia Technologies is expected to strengthen supply chain resilience and improve cost structure. Additive manufacturing will enable the production of complex components with reduced lead times and lower costs. This will help to mitigate supply chain risks and improve the overall efficiency of the manufacturing process.
Bottom Line
The partnership between Velo3D and Aurelia Technologies is a significant step forward in the adoption of additive manufacturing in the energy and propulsion industries. With the ability to simplify designs, reduce part counts, and improve robustness, additive manufacturing is expected to play a key role in the development of next-generation gas turbine systems. As the industry continues to evolve, the use of additive manufacturing is likely to become increasingly important for companies looking to improve their supply chain resilience and cost structure.