RTX's Pratt & Whitney launches additive GTF repair solution to improve turnaround time
RTX's Pratt & Whitney has unveiled a groundbreaking additive manufacturing repair solution for GTF engine components, developed at their North American Technology Accelerator in Jupiter, Florida. The new technology will reduce process time by over 60% using Directed Energy Deposition, a 3D printing method.
The innovation is expected to recover $100 million worth of parts over the next five years through implementation across the global GTF MRO network. The solution eliminates several steps in the current repair method, particularly benefiting machine changeover and heat treat cycles reduction.
The project, developed in collaboration with the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology and RTX Research Center, will be scaled throughout their 20-shop MRO network across four continents. Combined with other accelerator programs, Pratt & Whitney expects annual savings of at least $24 million.
RTX e Pratt & Whitney hanno presentato una soluzione innovativa per la riparazione tramite produzione additiva per i componenti dei motori GTF, sviluppata presso il loro North American Technology Accelerator a Jupiter, Florida. La nuova tecnologia ridurrà il tempo di processo di oltre il 60% utilizzando la Deposizione di Energia Diretta, un metodo di stampa 3D.
Si prevede che l'innovazione recupererà parti per un valore di 100 milioni di dollari nei prossimi cinque anni attraverso l'implementazione nella rete globale di MRO GTF. La soluzione elimina diversi passaggi nel metodo di riparazione attuale, beneficiando in particolare della riduzione dei cambi macchina e dei cicli di trattamento termico.
Il progetto, sviluppato in collaborazione con il Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology e il RTX Research Center, sarà ampliato attraverso la loro rete di MRO composta da 20 officine su quattro continenti. Combinato con altri programmi di accelerazione, Pratt & Whitney prevede risparmi annuali di almeno 24 milioni di dollari.
RTX y Pratt & Whitney han presentado una solución innovadora de reparación mediante fabricación aditiva para los componentes de los motores GTF, desarrollada en su North American Technology Accelerator en Jupiter, Florida. La nueva tecnología reducirá el tiempo de proceso en más del 60% utilizando la Deposición de Energía Dirigida, un método de impresión 3D.
Se espera que la innovación recupere partes por un valor de 100 millones de dólares en los próximos cinco años a través de su implementación en la red global de MRO GTF. La solución elimina varios pasos en el método de reparación actual, beneficiando especialmente la reducción de cambios de máquina y ciclos de tratamiento térmico.
El proyecto, desarrollado en colaboración con el Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology y el RTX Research Center, se ampliará a través de su red de MRO de 20 talleres en cuatro continentes. Combinado con otros programas de aceleración, Pratt & Whitney espera ahorros anuales de al menos 24 millones de dólares.
RTX의 Pratt & Whitney가 플로리다 주 주피터에 위치한 북미 기술 가속기에서 개발한 GTF 엔진 부품을 위한 첨단 제조 수리 솔루션을 공개했습니다. 새로운 기술은 60% 이상의 공정 시간 단축을 달성할 수 있으며, 이는 방향성 에너지 증착이라는 3D 프린팅 방법을 사용합니다.
이 혁신은 향후 5년간 1억 달러 상당의 부품을 회수할 것으로 예상되며, 이는 글로벌 GTF MRO 네트워크 전반에 걸쳐 구현될 것입니다. 이 솔루션은 현재 수리 방법의 여러 단계를 제거하여 특히 기계 교체 및 열처리 사이클 감소에 혜택을 줍니다.
이 프로젝트는 Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology 및 RTX Research Center와 협력하여 개발되었으며, 4개 대륙에 걸쳐 20개의 MRO 네트워크에서 확장될 것입니다. 다른 가속기 프로그램과 결합하여, Pratt & Whitney는 연간 최소 2400만 달러의 절감 효과를 기대하고 있습니다.
RTX et Pratt & Whitney ont dévoilé une solution innovante de réparation par fabrication additive pour les composants de moteurs GTF, développée au sein de leur North American Technology Accelerator à Jupiter, en Floride. La nouvelle technologie réduira le temps de processus de plus de 60% grâce à la Déposition d'Énergie Dirigée, une méthode d'impression 3D.
Cette innovation devrait permettre de récupérer des pièces d'une valeur de 100 millions de dollars au cours des cinq prochaines années grâce à sa mise en œuvre dans le réseau mondial de MRO GTF. La solution élimine plusieurs étapes de la méthode de réparation actuelle, bénéficiant particulièrement à la réduction des changements de machines et des cycles de traitement thermique.
Le projet, développé en collaboration avec le Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology et le RTX Research Center, sera étendu à travers leur réseau de MRO de 20 ateliers sur quatre continents. Associé à d'autres programmes d'accélération, Pratt & Whitney prévoit des économies annuelles d'au moins 24 millions de dollars.
RTX und Pratt & Whitney haben eine bahnbrechende Lösung zur Reparatur durch additive Fertigung für GTF-Triebwerkskomponenten vorgestellt, die in ihrem North American Technology Accelerator in Jupiter, Florida, entwickelt wurde. Die neue Technologie wird die Prozesszeit um über 60% reduzieren, indem sie die Directed Energy Deposition, ein 3D-Druckverfahren, nutzt.
Es wird erwartet, dass die Innovation in den nächsten fünf Jahren Teile im Wert von 100 Millionen Dollar zurückgewinnen wird, indem sie in das globale GTF MRO-Netzwerk implementiert wird. Die Lösung beseitigt mehrere Schritte im aktuellen Reparaturverfahren und kommt insbesondere der Reduzierung von Maschinenwechseln und Wärmebehandlungszyklen zugute.
Das Projekt, das in Zusammenarbeit mit dem Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology und dem RTX Research Center entwickelt wurde, wird in ihrem 20-Werk-MRO-Netzwerk auf vier Kontinenten skaliert. In Kombination mit anderen Beschleunigungsprogrammen erwartet Pratt & Whitney jährliche Einsparungen von mindestens 24 Millionen Dollar.
- New repair technology reduces process time by over 60%
- Expected recovery of $100 million worth of parts over 5 years
- Projected annual savings of $24 million from accelerator programs
- Reduces dependency on material supply constraints
- Reduces tooling costs and complexity
- None.
Insights
RTX's new additive manufacturing repair technology represents a significant advancement in maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) capabilities for the GTF engine program. The 60% reduction in process time is particularly impressive in the aerospace industry, where maintenance turnaround is directly linked to aircraft utilization rates and operator economics.
The technology leverages Directed Energy Deposition - an advanced 3D printing method that allows for precise material application directly onto existing components. This approach eliminates multiple traditional repair steps, with notable improvements in minimizing machine changeover and reducing heat treat cycles. Both factors are critical bottlenecks in conventional aerospace component repair.
From a technical perspective, this development addresses two pressing industry challenges simultaneously: streamlining MRO operations while reducing dependency on increasingly constrained material supply chains. By industrializing this process across Pratt & Whitney's global GTF MRO network of 20 shops across four continents, they're effectively scaling a solution that transforms component recovery economics.
The technology's development at their Florida-based Technology Accelerator, in collaboration with the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology and RTX Research Center, demonstrates a coordinated research approach that's now delivering tangible operational benefits. This follows a strategic expansion of technology accelerators announced in April, suggesting a cohesive innovation roadmap focused on repair processes that maintain the rigorous safety and performance standards required in aerospace.
This innovation delivers measurable financial benefits through multiple channels that strengthen RTX's competitive position in the lucrative aftermarket services segment. The projection of recovering
The business case is compelling beyond these direct savings. Faster turnaround time creates a competitive advantage in the MRO market, where service speed directly impacts customer satisfaction and retention. For airlines, reduced engine maintenance time translates to improved asset utilization and revenue opportunities.
Supply chain resilience represents another value driver. By reducing dependency on constrained materials, RTX mitigates a key operational risk while potentially avoiding premium pricing for scarce components. The reduced tooling costs and process simplification also suggest lower capital intensity for these repair operations.
This development aligns with RTX's EngineWise solutions strategy, which focuses on creating sustainable aftermarket value. The aftermarket services segment typically carries higher margins than OEM sales, making these efficiency improvements particularly valuable. While these improvements won't dramatically move the needle for a
New technology developed at company's North American Technology Accelerator in
"A more agile, additive repair process allows us to better serve our customers by improving turnaround time, while reducing tooling costs, complexity and set up," said Kevin Kirkpatrick, vice president of Aftermarket Operations at Pratt & Whitney. "At the same time, it reduces our dependency on current material supply constraints. Additive technology has the potential to support a range of critical GTF part repairs and we're actively working to explore additional opportunities for implementation."
Developed by Pratt & Whitney's North American Technology Accelerator in
In April 2024, Pratt & Whitney announced the intent to expand its use of technology accelerators to include advanced repairs, digital inspection, adaptive processing, and coating and masking for compressor and fan parts, blades, cases, and more. Pratt & Whitney's North American Technology Accelerator serves as a complement to its Singapore Technology Accelerator, established in September 2022 with a focus on robotics, advanced inspection, connected factory and digital twin. Combined annual savings of at least
The Pratt & Whitney GTF MRO network is comprised of the industry's leading MRO companies and includes 20 shops across four continents and additional sites with quick turn capability. The GTF MRO network is part of Pratt & Whitney's EngineWise® solutions, which provide engine operators with a variety of aftermarket services resulting in long-term, sustainable value.
About Pratt & Whitney
Pratt & Whitney is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft engines and auxiliary power units. To learn more visit www.prattwhitney.com.
About RTX
RTX is the world's largest aerospace and defense company. With more than 185,000 global employees, we push the limits of technology and science to redefine how we connect and protect our world. Through industry-leading businesses – Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon – we are advancing aviation, engineering integrated defense systems for operational success, and developing next-generation technology solutions and manufacturing to help global customers address their most critical challenges. The company, with 2024 sales of more than
For questions or to schedule an interview, please contact corporatepr@rtx.com.
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SOURCE RTX
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