The Additive Technologies Center of Rostec State Corporation has put into operation a laser printer with the largest available build volume in Russia. The new equipment will make it possible to use additive technology to “grow” large-sized parts for the next-generation VK-1600V engine used in Ka-62 helicopter.

New engine components will be created using Russian materials and the new 3D printer provides potential for building even the most geometrically complex shapes.

“The printer will be used to create stator parts for the next-generation VK-1600V engine. The engine will be installed to modern multipurpose Ka-62 helicopters. In total, over 10% of the parts for this model are planned to be produced in 3D printers.

Additive technologies will reduce the production time for individual components from 6 months to 3 weeks”, said Oleg Yevtushenko, executive director of Rostec.

In addition to shorter production times, additive manufacturing allows to produce parts with lower weight without sacrificing functionality. In turn, this will allow to increase helicopter payloads and improve their other key characteristics.