Last year, the United States Air Force (USAF) and GE entered the third phase of its “Pacer Edge” scout. Phase III focused on 3D printing for four non-production parts: a bell crank, a gearbox seat, an anti-icing valve body, and a crossshaft arm. The first two parts, the cross-shaft arm and bell crank, were successfully printed last year in cobalt-chrome on a fleet of 5-Series M2 systems at GE Additive’s Cincinnati facility. Now the last two parts, the gearbox seat and the anti-icing valve body, have also been successfully printed.

The final phase of the program over the next few years is to establish the USAF’s own metal additive production infrastructure, initially at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma. This capability will reduce the long lead times that currently plague the foundry and forging industries.

“Pacer Edge represents a monumental step forward in an innovative partnership with industry. Through this program, our corporate team will provide safe and rapid propulsion readiness in support of the American warfighter,” said Mr. John Sneden, Director of Propulsion, USAF.

The USAF is not the only entity struggling to receive its castings and forgings in a timely manner. It remains a choke point for many industries and has only been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Public-private initiatives like the recently announced AM Forward initiative will also help address DoD support and preparedness challenges. Strengthening US supply chains, by encouraging small and medium-sized manufacturers across the United States to adopt metal additive technology, will create a nationwide network of qualified additive manufacturing suppliers,” said Lauren Tubesing, Chief Operating Officer , military programs at GE Additive.