Another problem for GE. Maybe Safran needs a new partner? Stormy skies over GE and Safran, calm seas for UniZ, Materialise and Niedersachsen ADDITIV CFM International, a joint venture between GE Aviation and Safran Aircraft Engines, (two significant users of 3D printed parts), is reviewing its Leap-1A engine fleet after the coating of a turbine shroud began flaking off mid-flight. The spaces in the coating allowed air passing through the Airbus A320neo’s turbine system to escape, causing dramatic changes in gas exhaust temperature.
While the LEAP contains 19 3D-printed fuel nozzles, these static turbine shrouds are made in a different manner from ceramic matrix composites.
Although GE is responsible for delivering turbine parts to CFM produced engines, Safran has set aside $58 million to repair in-service engines “to err on the side of caution,” according to Safran CEO Philippe Petitcolin.