AM in Turbomachinery: Deep dive in Applications, Materials, Production & Qualification
Dr. Ilya Fedorov, an R&D project manager at Siemens Energy, explains how additive manufacturing, specifically laser powder bed fusion (LPBF), is transforming gas turbine design, production, and repair. He details the development of complex combustion components, such as hydrogen-ready burners and turbine guide vanes with internal cooling channels, which offer performance improvements and supply chain resilience. The discussion covers the rigorous qualification processes, including 30,000 hours of engine testing, and the shift toward developing new alloys specifically optimized for additive processes rather than just replicating conventional casting materials.