Rostec Launches Mass 3D Printing of PD-14 Engine Parts

Rostec’s Additive Technology Center (ATC) launched mass 3D printing of parts for the PD-14 engine developed by United Engine Corporation (UEC) for MC-21 aircraft.

At the first stage, mass production of elements of the PD-14 engine fuel system for MC-21 aircraft was set up. By 2024, it is expected to produce about 2,000 elements of the engine’s fuel system.

Industrial 3D printing cuts the individual components production time from six months to three weeks. Moreover, additively manufactured components have lower weight while retaining their functional properties, thus increasing the useful load and improving other characteristics of the aircraft.

“Modern approaches to the design and production of engines for domestic aircraft construction, including the use of 3D printing, allow us to significantly increase the output of components without any loss to quality or reliability. We plan to continue consistent development in this area and believe that the future of the Russian aircraft engine construction lies in the synergy of innovative technologies and the rich experience of Russian design engineers,” said Rostec State Corporation’s Aviation Cluster.

PD-14 is the first turbofan engine created in contemporary Russia. It was developed with the use of cutting-edge technologies and domestic materials. The operating costs of the PD-14 are expected to be 14-17% lower than those of its incumbent counterparts, and the life cycle cost will be 15-20% lower.

In September 2021, Rostec’s ATC was licensed by the Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade to mass 3D printing of aviation products and became the first and only Russian company to date that has confirmed its competencies in mass industrial 3D printing for the aviation industry. The license enables the company not only to mass-produce prototype parts and blanks, but also to fully cooperate with the aviation industry.