Rolls-Royce acquires two further multi-laser SLM Solutions machines
SLM Solutions Group AG, Lübeck, Germany, has announced the sale of a further two quad-laser SLM®500s to Rolls-Royce. Rolls-Royce will be using the AM systems for the manufacturing of aero engine components, and the additional machines are intended to be part of the pre-production ramp up for the Pearl®10X, an engine designed specifically for the jet aircraft Dassault Falcon 10X.
These SLM 500 will be utilised to additively manufacture complex combustor tiles in an attempt to achieve valuable weight and emission reduction, ultimately contributing to the environmental performance of the Pearl 10X, reportedly an overall 5% increase in efficiency for the Pearl 10X compared to its predecessor.
“Additive layer manufacturing enables the delivery of complex high-performing assemblies which cannot be manufactured using conventional techniques,” stated Richard Mellor, Rolls-Royce Chief Manufacturing Engineer for Additive Layer Manufacturing. “For example, these combustor tiles include cooling holes which turn the air through 180º, maximising efficiency whilst reducing emissions. This repeat order reflects the close and successful relationship between the Rolls-Royce and SLM teams.”
The industrialisation of Additive Manufacturing within the broader civil aviation sector is expected to gather momentum in the coming periods, with the AMPOWER Report 2022 forecasting system sales will triple to over €250 million by 2026.
“Having a high-profile company such as Rolls-Royce as a returning customer is really gratifying,” added Sam O’Leary, SLM Solutions. “We are committed to forging relationships like these with our team of experts every step of the way, ensuring our customers’ success through close collaboration.”
