Rolls-Royce is ready to roll out a new big part of 3D printing history, announcing the first flight-test of the largest-ever 3D printed component for later this year. The component -- a staggering 1.5 meters in diameter, with a half-meter-thick front bearing housing containing 48 airfoils -- is 3D printed in nickel for the company's Trent XWB-97 engine. While the current plan for the final engine, which is being developed for the still-in-progress Airbus A350-1000, does not incorporate the additive manufactured component, it might in the future. No timeline has yet been announced for full release, though the flight-test will happen in 2015. The engine was successfully ground-tested in mid-2014. Check out more details about the large component in the full article: http://3dprint.com/45820/rolls-royce...st-3d-printed/


Below is a look at Rolls-Royce's Trent XWB engine: