Pratt & Whitney and ST Engineering’s Land Systems division and Component Aerospace Singapore have developed a 3D-printed fuel system component for a Pratt turbine aero engine. The metal-printed component replaces one that requires time-consuming conventional forging and casting, and it represents “a first in the maintenance, repair, and overhaul of commercial engines,” according to the companies.

The three companies worked closely together to create the technical data that defined the component, including “several rounds of rigorous reviews and discussions.”

“To 3D print an aero engine component for a working air turbine engine is a first for us,” said Tan Chor Kiat, senior v-p, kinetics design and manufacturing at ST Engineering. “This also demonstrates our advanced capability to offer a full turnkey manufacturing solution, which not only includes production-level 3D printing, but also post processes such as heat treatment and machining. For this project, we are able to deliver an aerospace component that meets not only the high quality standards required, but also the stringent requirements by the aviation authorities.”