“This is one of the most critical and
sophisticated components in our jet engines,”
says David Joyce, GE Aviation CEO. “They are
perfectly shaped aerodynamically, with
laser-drilled cooling holes because they operate
at extraordinary temperatures. We consider them
a work of art.”
GE has invested $75 million in the new plant.
The company expects to hire 300 to 400 workers
by the end of the decade.
Chen and his colleagues are developing laser
tools that can not only drill, bull also weld
and print. The GRC lab has one of the most
powerful lasers in North America. At 20
kilowatts, it is 50,000 times more powerful than
a DVD burner. The researchers mounted the laser
on a robot and use it to melt metal and develop
new welding methods that are more efficient,
faster, and more eco-friendly than conventional
ways.
The scientists tap the laser’s high-energy
density to penetrate deep and fast into metal
parts. The laser welding robot can cover 90
inches per minute. That’s three times faster
than conventional welding methods. The system is
also easier to set up. “This technology going to
touch all aspects of our lives,” says engineer
Duncan Pratt. “It will allow us to be smarter
about how we use materials and how we
manufacture things.”
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