GE is making a major investment in 3D printing and so-called additive manufacturing — the company plans to build a research and manufacturing facility in Findlay Township, outside of Pittsburgh. The new center represents a $32 million investment over three years and, according to GE, will result in the creation of 50 high-tech engineering jobs.
“The new facility will be the bridge between R&D and full-scale manufacturing,” explains Barbara Negroe, Additive Business Leader: GE Supply Chain. “There is a gap right now between something proven out as feasible in a lab environment and something we would feel is ready to turn over to a plant to begin full-rate production. Plants normally do not have the knowledge [when it comes to additive] or the time to stop and work through all of the issues that come with developing a new part or process.”
GE is all-in on additive manufacturing, which uses advanced 3D printers to manufacture parts and products, one layer at a time. The company is already using parts produced with additive manufacturing in a production aircraft engine and gas turbine.
“We use it for prototyping designs to be able to quickly review parts and fit up,” says Negroe.
The new facility will focus on developing and implementing additive manufacturing technologies across GE’s industrial businesses and on developing a training program for GE technologists in additive manufacturing.
The company chose the Findlay Township location “to capitalize on the renowned academic institutions and skilled workforce in the area,” explains Negroe, adding that the company already has several small projects underway with area universities and will explore further partnerships.
Construction is expected to begin in March and be completed by September 2015.
Source: Barbara Negroe, GE Supply Chain
Writer: Elise Vider