Russia’s Additive Technologies Center has proposed using shared material-testing data to reduce repeated certification tests for 3D-printed gas turbine engine components, potentially shortening the path to serial production.
The proposal aims to establish a common evidence base for components manufactured from the same material under consistent equipment and printing parameters. The approach could reduce the need to repeat a full testing programme for every new component design while maintaining applicable quality and reliability requirements.
Unlike conventional manufacturing, metal additive manufacturing builds components directly from powder, requiring material properties and production consistency to be validated for the intended application. Qualification can involve tensile strength, fatigue, creep, and corrosion testing, making the process time-consuming when each new component requires a separate assessment.
Shared testing data could reduce qualification work
The centre proposes using test results from a representative component or standard samples as supporting evidence when qualifying other parts made from the same material under controlled manufacturing conditions.
Roman Malinin, head of the Central Measurement Laboratory at the centre, said average material-strength values may be sufficient for many non-critical components, while primary and critical parts would remain subject to more stringent requirements.
The proposal could help manufacturers reduce duplicated testing during the introduction of additively manufactured engine components. However, the applicability of shared data would depend on the material, manufacturing process, component design and relevant certification requirements.
Also Read – Porter Airlines adopts Tech Ops Live for real-time fleet visibility
Workforce development supports additive manufacturing
Alongside its certification proposal, the centre is developing training programmes for specialists involved in designing and producing additively manufactured components. The courses cover printing methods, equipment operation and the application of additive manufacturing knowledge in production.
Alexey Mazalov, CEO of the Center for Advanced Manufacturing, said wider adoption requires both improvements in component qualification and a workforce capable of designing and overseeing additive manufacturing processes.
The proposals were presented at the ATLAS Forum in Moscow, which focused on additive manufacturing and laser systems. If adopted within applicable certification frameworks, the approach could support more efficient qualification of selected 3D-printed engine components for serial production.
