Ruselectronics, a Russian holding corporation and a subsidiary of state-owned Rostec, is developing an electron beam metal 3D printer for aerospace applications. The research and development work will be carried out by Toriy Scientific Production Association (НПП Торий). Toriy is a subsidiary of Ruselectronics and specializes in electron beam welding, microwave tubes, and communication systems.
Dmitry Trofimov from Toriy, said, “The developed 3D printer will consume less energy and reduce waste to a minimum. Such machines will allow for the creation of products for high-tech industries that will be lighter, stronger and more ergonomic.”
Rostec additive manufacturing
Rostec is a state-owned holding conglomerate responsible for developing, among other things, additive manufacturing for medical and aerospace applications. In past years, the conglomerate, through its subsidiaries, has spent a significant amount of resources for the development of 3D printing technology. Last year, Rostec allotted $44.5 million to set up an additive manufacturing center, the V.V. Chernyshev Center for Additive Technologies (CAC).
In addition, Russian Helicopters, another subsidiary of Rostec and a founding member of the CAC, has shown a strong commitment to promoting additive manufacturing in the country, and JSC United Engine Corporation (UEC), is working to advance 3D printing for manufacturing Russian gas turbine engines. In the future, the Center for Additive Technologies at UEC will manufacture parts of SaM146, an aircraft turbofan engine by PowerJet, a joint venture between Russia and France.
Electronic beam manufacturing
Fully owned by Rostec, Ruselectronics was established in 1997 with a focus on manufacturing electronics. It was incorporated into Rostec in 2009, and is currently responsible for the production of 80% of electronics consumed in Russia. Currently, more than 130 businesses and science organizations, specializing in microwave technology and communications systems, are part of Ruselectronics.
With the help of Toriy, Ruselectronics will develop the first prototype of the electron beam 3D printer by 2020. On the capabilities of EBAM technology and what it will bring to the Russian AM industry, Trofimov added, “The technology of 3D printing by the method of electron beam melting of metal powders makes it possible to manufacture parts of almost any complexity, including products with a size of 0.2-0.4 mm.”
“3D printing of products with a bionic design in some cases reduces the weight by 86%, which is impossible to achieve using traditional manufacturing techniques.”
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Featured image shows a SaM146 engine produced by PowerJet, a joint venture between Russia and France. Image via Wikimedia Commons.
