A new engine , called Jet , uses a nozzle created by 3D printing . The material used for the fan blades is a tough ceramic that reduces the weight of the blades by 1,000 pounds . That adds up to several million dollars saved per year per plane , '' said GE Aviation spokesman Rick Kennedy . GE Aviation has acquired companies that specialized in direct metal laser sintering . Airbus has also begun to experiment with additive manufacturing .
A new engine , called Jet , uses a nozzle created by 3D printing . The material used for the fan blades is a tough ceramic that reduces the weight of the blades by 1,000 pounds . GE Aviation has acquired companies that specialized in direct metal laser sintering . Airbus has also begun to experiment with additive manufacturing .