| Siemens 2017 3D printing Gas turbine blades have won numerous awards. Now Siemens has made new breakthroughs in 3D printing applications. The oil seals completed by it have become the first component of industrial steam turbines to use metal 3D printing. At present, this oil seal is installed on the ST-300 at the JSW Steel Company's plant in Salem, India. These oil seal rings are the product of years of research in Germany, India and Sweden. Why is additive manufacturing technology used in this component? This is introduced by Armin Truebel, product manager of Siemens.  △ Metal oil seal rings for industrial steam turbines, designed and produced by Siemens using additive manufacturing 40% reduction in delivery time The oil seal uses pressurized air to separate the oil and steam from the steam turbine. The design is relatively complex. It was initially composed of two parts. Siemens engineers integrated it through additive manufacturing technology. Treubel said: 'Additive manufacturing provides a degree of design freedom that allows us to achieve designs that could not have been realized.' Through additive manufacturing design, the team can 'rethink existing components and provide functional enhancements in the design.' Ultimately, up to 40% of lead time can be reduced. 3D printing goes beyond traditional manufacturing Siemens did not disclose the metal 3D printers and materials used to make the oil seals, but Truebel confirmed: 'We chose an alloy material that allows the parts to meet and exceed their mechanical and environmental requirements during their service life. The alloy is processed on a powder bed 3D printer. ' In previous projects, Siemens has used EOS and SLM Solutions metal powder bed 3D printers, and has also established a partnership with metal 3D printer manufacturer TRUMPF, so the printer used may be one of them.  △Siemens award-winning metal 3D printed nickel alloy turbine blade Treubel thinks: 'We can achieve better manufacturing and operating performance through additive manufacturing.' With 3D printing oil seals and other components, Siemens hopes to optimize and simplify maintenance and repair services. Source: Antarctic Bear 3D Printing Network |
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