Australian 3D printing specialist Aurora Labs has announced that it has conducted the first test flight for its Class 200 microturbine in the Western Australia region, confirming the performance and functionality of the company’s proprietary 3D printed engine.
The microturbine is characterized by several key features. It provides over 20 kg of thrust, making it suitable for industrial and military applications. An integrated electronic control unit and a brushless fuel pump ensure high fuel efficiency and optimal combustion temperatures. The lightweight design, made possible by 3D printing, reduces the overall mass of the engine without compromising the performance or quality of the design. In addition, the optimized design enables easy assembly and lower manufacturing costs. Another advantage is that it is manufactured entirely in Australia, which strengthens sovereignty and independence in production.
Commenting on activities, CEO Rebekah Letheby, said:” We are thrilled to announce a significant milestone in the micro gas turbine project, with our maiden flight now complete. A3D’s development of the 3D printed turbine underscores our commitment to innovation, positioning the Company at the forefront of micro gas turbine technology development advancing new frontiers. The team’s swift progress to the initial flight stage has enabled us to breakthrough into new markets and applications for 3D printing, fostering future growth and increasing value for A3D Shareholders. ”
Since the end of 2023, the design of the microturbine has been extensively prototyped, with several designs being produced, 3D printed and tested on test benches. The 3D printing process allows for rapid design changes and optimization. Aurora Labs is now ready to conduct further tests in real flight environments to optimize the turbine’s performance under different altitude and temperature conditions.
The results of the successful test flight will be made available to potential industrial and military customers to foster commercial partnerships. In addition, the company plans to test larger turbines to expand the range of applications in the gas turbine market.
With this project, Aurora Labs is demonstrating the power and flexibility of 3D printing in the development of advanced propulsion technologies. This marks an important step in the advancement of additive manufacturing and its applications in aerospace and other high technology sectors.
Subscribe to our Newsletter
3DPresso is a weekly newsletter that links to the most exciting global stories from the 3D printing and additive manufacturing industry.
