Micro Jet Engine Manufactured by using 3D Printing Technique: Transforming the Future of Aerospace Innovation

Micro Jet Engine Manufactured by using 3D Printing Technique: Transforming the Future of Aerospace Innovation

Aero Engine Corporation of China (AECC) has manufactured a 3D-printed lightweight micro jet engine, which has completed its first maiden flight test in China with a thrust level of 353 pounds. The test flight took place in China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. The flight test was conducted at a maximum altitude of 4,000 feet, which is much lower than the flight altitude of commercial planes but a normal altitude for smaller planes. The test demonstrated the engine's stability and reliability under real flight conditions. The success of the flight test shows an important leap in China's application of incorporating 3D printing in the aviation sector. AECC has not confirmed any details regarding the type of material used and what percentage of the engine was 3D printed. It may be that not the entire engine, but only some parts were 3D printed. It is also unknown which type of 3D printers were used in the process. According to AECC, this successful maiden flight will lay a stronger foundation for the development of upcoming advanced aviation engines.

3D printed lightweight micro jet engine (Photo source: AECC).