Global technology giant Siemens has reached yet another milestone in its journey to realize the many benefits of additive manufacturing (AM) and to lead the development of this innovative technology in the power generation industry.

This time the company has successfully 3D-printed and engine tested a dry low emission (DLE) pre-mixer for the SGT-A05 aeroderivative gas turbine, with the impressive results showing a potential for significant reductions in CO emissions, said a statement from Siemens.

This achievement further solidifies Siemens’ position as one of the world’s leading developers of innovative additive manufacturing techniques and uses in the energy industry, it stated.

"This is another excellent example of how additive manufacturing is revolutionizing our industry, delivering measurable benefits and real value to our customers, particularly as they look to further reduce emissions to meet environmental targets," remarked Vladimir Navrotsky, the chief technology officer for Siemens Power Generation Services, Distributed Generation.

"Our achievements using AM are paving the way for greater agility in the design, manufacturing and maintenance of power generation components," he noted.

The achievements resulting from using AM to manufacture this particular gas turbine component are significant. From concept to engine test, the development took only seven months, which is impressive for a component that requires such tight tolerances and works in high load and temperature.

The DLE pre-mixer is highly complex with over 20 parts involved in the casting and assembly using traditional manufacturing methods. By utilizing Siemens qualified nickel super alloys as the AM printing material, the 3D-printed component requires only two parts and lead time is reduced by approximately 70 per cent, said the company in its statement.

The 3D-printing of the DLE pre-mixer allows Siemens to simplify complexity in the production process, reduce external dependencies in the supply chain, and improves the geometry of the component, thus allowing a better fuel-air mix, it added.

First engine testing of the AM-manufactured DLE pre-mixer, which was 3-D printed in Siemens' AM center of competence in Finspang, Sweden, was recently completed and the data received is promising.

Last year, Siemens finished its first full-load engine tests for gas turbine blades completely designed and produced using AM technology, said the company statement.

Earlier this year, the company 3D-printed and installed into customer's equipment its first replacement part for an industrial steam turbine, it added.-TradeArabia News Service