HAL, Wipro3D, CEMILAC to manufacture India’s 1st metal 3D printed aircraft engine component
Bengaluru, Feb 9 (FN Agency) Wipro 3D and Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), Engine Division on Tuesday entered into a collaboration for the development, manufacturing and airworthiness certification of a critical aero-engine component operating in the hot zone, using metal 3D printing. The Nozzle Guide Vane (also called the Inner Ring), 3D printed in a high temperature resilient steel A286, has been awarded Airworthiness certification by the for Military Airworthiness and Certification (CEMILAC), the regulatory body of Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO).
The Wipro3D manufactured components shall be installed in HAL manufactured helicopter engines, according to a statement. HAL Bangalore complex CEO Amitabh Bhatt said, “Additive manufacturing is a disruptive technology and is going to play a big role in the manufacture of components used in the aerospace and defense industry in the future. I would like to compliment Wipro 3D and HAL Engine Division for successfully developing a 3D component for use in the hot section of an aero engine. It is indeed a significant achievement towards “Atmanirbhar Bharat policy of the Government of India.”
HAL, GM Engines, B Krishnakumar said, “The long and unswerving efforts of Wipro 3D and HAL Engine Division have come to fruition with the certification of the inner ring. With the development process established and considering the benefits of 3D printing viz. zero tooling cost, reduced cycle times and cost competitiveness, 3D printing would definitely be considered by the division as a manufacturing option for the spares required for ROH.” CEMILAC, Chief Executive E, AVPS Prasad said, “The Inner Ring is a unique example of collaboration between CEMILAC, DGAQA, HAL and Wipro3D. We have been able to create a unique framework for Airworthiness certification of Metal 3d printed components that should create the grounds for greater adoption of this technology in India”
Wipro 3D Vice President and Business Head, Ajay Parikh said, The component, soon to enter series production, has been developed in India starting from arriving at the right material composition, developing 3D Printing process parameters, heat treatment cycles, post processing strategy, and testing & prove out methodology. This will be India’s 3d printed metal component at the hot end of a jet engine to achieve Airworthiness certification. The Inner Ring is not only a great showcase for Atma Nirbhar Bharat but also demonstrates what India can offer to the world.”