Company uses 3D printing to make parts for turbofan powering Airbus A320neo engine
MTU Aero Engines (Hall 4, Stand 41460) says around 30 per cent of today’s aircraft in service worldwide have its components on board. And in the commercial maintenance sector, the company ranks among the top five service providers for commercial aircraft engines and industrial gas turbines.
The company is showcasing the PW1100G-JM geared turbofan (GTF) that powers the Airbus A320neo, one of the world’s most eco-efficient engines. It incorporates parts made by a new 3D printing method used at MTU dubbed selective laser melting. MTU is also responsible for the final assembly of one third of all the engines of this type.
Cutting fuel burn, emissions and noise
The GTF slashes fuel burn and CO2 emissions by 16 per cent, cuts noise levels in half, and reduces maintenance costs. The message has reached the market as the current order backlog stands at more than 8,000 of the propulsion systems. MTU also wants to take on a major role in the development of a new engine for a future European fighter jet. In one of its interactive exhibits, it introduces its conceptual idea for the Next European Fighter Engine (NEFE).
Michael Schreyögg, Chief Program Officer at MTU Aero Engines, said: “As an integral supplier with profound project management experience in European partnerships, MTU is ready to get down to work. We have extensive knowhow in all phases of a life cycle of a military engine – be it development, production or in-service support.”
Other highlights on display are MTUPlus ERcoateco and the drum repair procedure, which were both developed in-house by MTU. MTUPlus ERcoateco is a high-temperature-resistant erosion protection coating for high-pressure compressor blades and vanes. Produced using nano technology, the coating is designed to improve fuel consumption and reduce CO2 emissions.
It also extends the life of blades and vanes by protecting the parent metal from excessive damage. In drum repair, damper wires newly designed by MTU with improved ends are installed. The wires prevent fretting damage at the middle stages of the high-pressure compressor. The two solutions developed by MTU Maintenance are demonstrated at MTU’s booth on a V2500 high-pressure compressor.
