From the archive — Originally published on blog.df3d.com on Oct 13, 2014. This is unedited history from our first chapter.
IndustryOct 13, 2014 · 1 min read
The LEAP engine with 3D printed parts takes off
GE's CFM LEAP engine — with fuel nozzles made by additive manufacturing — began its flight test programme. A landmark moment for industrial 3D printing.
By df3d
The CFM LEAP engine — with 3D printed fuel nozzles made by GE — began its flight test programme in October 2014.
The LEAP nozzles are one of the canonical examples of industrial additive manufacturing done right: a part that couldn't be made any other way, 20x more durable than the machined equivalent, consolidating 20 components into one.
This was the moment the industry stopped debating whether 3D printing was "real" manufacturing.