At the Bourget show (held from June 19th to 25th, 2017 in Paris), GE unveiled ATLAS, probably the largest 3D printer on the market dedicated to aerospace. It is precisely a powder sintering printer.
After two years of research and development, experts say its capacities would exceed those of Concept Laser XLine 2000R machine, whose printing volume is estimated at 800 x 400 x 500 mm, as well as those of Aeroswift’s 3D metal printer.
Indeed, ATLAS would have a print volume of 1000 x 1000 x 1000 mm. It would manufacture customizable geometry and scale objects using a wide range of materials such as nylon, reactive and non-reactive metals which include aluminum or titanium.
Mohammad Ehteshami, Vice President and CEO of GE Additive, says the “machine will manufacture 3D aircraft parts of one meter in diameter and will be ideal to create structural components and engine parts. [Furthermore, it] can also be used by car manufacturers as well as the energy and oil sectors. “
Further information on ATLAS will be revealed at the Formnext trade fair in November 2017.
Until now, good progress continues to be made on the American giant market all over the world. Between agreements signed by Concept Laser (where GE holds the majority of market shares), or investments in Germany, this expansion reflects the market opportunities that 3D printing offers for today and tomorrow.
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