Engine manufacturer Cummins reports that it is finalizing its first production part using 3D metal printing technology.
The part, a lance tip adapter used in high horsepower engines, was made using a binder jet process, the company said. The adapter atomizes and injects diesel exhaust fluid into the engine exhaust stream to reduce the amount of nitrogen oxides (NOx) emitted from Cummins’ engine systems.
‘This is incredibly exciting, as it signifies yet another significant milestone in our 3D and additive manufacturing roadmap,’ said Tim Millwood, VP of global manufacturing. ‘We’re on the cusp of being able to leverage a broad range of additive technologies to print the parts we need, using the right technology and at lower costs and increased speeds.’
According to the company, the part has a a lighter-weight design, improved geometry for fluid and air flow, and helps eliminate the added complexity of cross-drillings. The company hopes to have final approval of the part and to start official production later this year. Cummins also reportedly plans to finalise additional concept parts in 2021.
This story uses material from Cummins, with editorial changes made by Materials Today. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent those of Elsevier.