Rolls-Royce Testing 3D Printed Parts for New Engines
Rolls-Royce’s Advance3 engine is helping pioneer the future of civil aerospace – with 3D printed parts and the introduction of new materials helping to lead the way.
The technology demonstrator engine is proving both technology and a new core for Rolls-Royce engine design which will be available from 2025.
Advance3, incorporating around 20,000 parts in total, has achieved more than 100 hours on test.
Initial results are showing excellent performance from parts made by a printing technique known as additive layer manufacturing (ALM or more commonly known as 3D printing) and also made from ceramic matrix composites.
ALM allows engineers to create new designs for parts, and for those parts to be made and redesigned more quickly. CMCs last longer in high temperatures and are lighter than metal alternatives.
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Engineers have downloaded millions of data points from the tests, which began last November and saw the engine achieve full power in July.
Advance3 plays an important part in delivering the IntelligentEngine, Rolls-Royce’s vision for the future, as it builds on pioneering technology and digital capabilities to deliver important benefits for customers.
Ash Owen, Rolls-Royce, Chief Engineer, Civil Aerospace Demonstrator Programmes, said: “Testing so far has been completely seamless, which is an outstanding achievement when you realise that this is an engine incorporating a range of new technologies as well as a brand new core architecture.
“We have completed our first phase of testing and analysing the results right now. We like what we see from the CMC and ALM parts performance. ”
CMC components are able to withstand higher operating temperatures, and require much less cooling air, while delivering a significant weight reduction, all contributing to improved efficiency.
The Advance3 demonstrator is testing a new engine core that will deliver optimum fuel efficiency and low emissions. It is a key element in Rolls-Royce’s future technology strategy.
