From Ideation to Integration: Additive Manufacturing at GE Aviation
Anthony Vicari
Analyst
Information Meets Matter
May 10th, 2016
3D Printing: Continued hype as reality matures
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3D Printing: Continued hype as reality matures
3D printing’s potential in aerospace was well known by 2000
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GE made early use of metal printing advances, pulling ahead of the pack
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GE Aviation begins working with MTI
GE and MTI print cobalt-chrome turbine blades for testing
2007: GE and MTI 3D print instrument probes for use in part testing
OPM foundedArcam releases a printer aimed at aerospace
201020052000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2006 2007 2008 2009
GE’s key decisions
1. Invest and partner early in a high-impact, long-term technology
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Ideation Integration
2010
GE races ahead and bets big to widen the lead
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GE announces plans to 3D print fuel injection nozzles
GE hosts open bracket design competition GE receives
printed nozzle FAA approval
Other GE divisions announce 3D printing-related products
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
GE acquires MTI
GE’s key decisions
1. Invest and partner early in a high-impact, long-term technology
2. Raising 3D printing initiative to corporate strategy across multiple business units
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Ideation Integration
2010
2015
GE’s key decisions
1. Invest and partner early in a high-impact, long-term technology
2. Raising 3D printing initiative to corporate strategy across multiple business units
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Ideation Integration
2016
2016 continues the GE trend
GE certifies a South Korean Air Force to 3D print fighter jet shrouds
GE delivers first LEAP engines
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Ideation Integration
GE’s competitors make more gradual progress
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GE announces plans to 3D print fuel injection nozzles
GE hosts open bracket design competition
LMCO 3D prints brackets for Juno spacecraft
Juno arrives at Jupiter
GE receives printed nozzle FAA approval
Other GE divisions announce 3D printing-related products
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
GE acquires MTI
LMCO 3D prints parts for unmanned spacecraft
GE’s competitors make more gradual progress
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Ideation Integration
2016
GE’s competitors make more gradual progress
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Ideation Integration
2016
Boeing and Airbus 3D print many non-structural parts, mainly brackets
GE’s competitors make more gradual progress
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Ideation Integration
2016
Pratt and Whitney funding Uconn researchers to innovate around IP lost due to MTI acquisition
In 2015, Rolls Royce began initial test flight of a 3D printed engine part
GE’s competitors make more gradual progress
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Ideation Integration
2016
Competitors leverage consortia, academics, and standards organizations to catch up
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GE’s key decisions
1. Invest and partner early in a high-impact, long-term technology
2. Raising 3D printing initiative to corporate strategy across multiple business units
3. Ecosystem management to maintain competitive edge
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Ideation Integration
2012-2015
GE’s key decisions
1. Invest and partner early in a high-impact, long-term technology
2. Raising 3D printing initiative to corporate strategy across multiple business units
3. Ecosystem management to maintain competitive edge
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Ideation Integration
2016
Key takeaways
In 2003, GE did not know where its 3D printing initiative would lead
Inaction is costly and can lead to sustained disadvantage
IMM will help close the gap in 3D printing by reducing the need for deep experience to produce high quality parts
Material informatics, design, simulation, and optimization software
Better process control software and sensors
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Thank you
Anthony VicariLead [email protected]+1 857 284 5688