How Can 3D Printing Revolutionize Manufacturing Costs?

AI Thread Summary
3D printing significantly reduces manufacturing costs by streamlining production processes, as demonstrated by GE's turboprop engine, which saw a reduction in parts from 855 to just 12. This technology consolidates subsystems from 40 to 1 and suppliers from 50 to 1, showcasing its efficiency. The ability to create hidden components through 3D printing is particularly impressive and highlights the technology's innovative potential. The rapid mainstream adoption of 3D printing is evident in various sectors, including automotive manufacturing, where it is used for producing race car parts. Overall, 3D printing is revolutionizing manufacturing by enhancing efficiency and reducing costs.
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This little article discusses a variety of savings GE got from using 3D printing in making a new turboprop engine.
They included fewer parts (855 --> 12), subsystems (40 --> 1), and suppliers (50 --> 1).
 
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Likes jim mcnamara, anorlunda and Greg Bernhardt
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Very interesting. Thanks for sharing.
 
I visited my local Fry's not too long ago. They have an amazing set of 3D printing stuff. It didn't take very long for yesterday's cutting edge technology to go mainstream!
 
Amazing revolution! I had dinner with a guy last night who manufacturers race car parts using 3D printers. Incredible!
 
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I have an engine that uses a dry sump oiling system. The oil collection pan has three AN fittings to use for scavenging. Two of the fittings are approximately on the same level, the third is about 1/2 to 3/4 inch higher than the other two. The system ran for years with no problem using a three stage pump (one pressure and two scavenge stages). The two scavenge stages were connected at times to any two of the three AN fittings on the tank. Recently I tried an upgrade to a four stage pump...

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