MAN Diesel & Turbo embraces 3D printing

3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, covers a range of innovative production processes, the potential of which is currently being investigated and developed in various industries.

The company’s CEO, Dr Uwe Lauber, said: “As of now, we are the first manufacturer in the world to use complex 3D-printed metallic components not only for test runs but also for serial production. After a decade of research and development we are proud that we have been able to make this significant step forward. The future technology of 3D printing allows us to offer our customers even better products.”

Dr Roland Herzog, Head of Material Technology in the Strategic Business Unit Turbomachinery, said: “Additive manufacturing offers huge potential for our product range, especially when it comes to the production of gas turbine components. Additively manufactured guide vane segments that we are now incorporating into our type MGT6100 gas turbines have proven particularly suitable. The approval for serial production is the result of intense cooperation with highly specialised suppliers and development partners such as the Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology.”

MAN Diesel & Turbo has also announced that it is investing in the ‘MAN Center for Additive Manufacturing’, a product and location-independent expert centre based at the company’s turbomachinery works in Oberhausen, Germany.

Herzog added: “We are currently investing some €2.6 million in order to utilise the numerous benefits of additive manufacturing along the whole value chain. As well as shortened development cycles, 3D printing gives more freedom for innovative, superior component designs, reduces production and delivery times and enables us service-wise to produce spare parts on call.”

Read the article online at: https://www.hydrocarbonengineering.com/gas-processing/20042017/man-diesel-turbo-embraces-3d-printing/