Each mold segment is then installed on a frame and outfitted with a hot air blower. The air heating technique saves energy and eliminates the labor-intensive step of hand-laying heating wires, which would traditionally be embedded in the mold. The air blowers are also reusable for future molds. Once the frames and air blowers are installed, the blade segments are assembled together and the surface between the segments is patched together to ensure an even, smooth, and vacuum-tight surface.
In addition to cost, AMO says there are also plenty of other benefits to an increased emphasis on 3-D printing in the wind industry.
“[We can] increase our nation’s competitiveness through manufacturing clean energy technologies. Advancements in 3D printing have made it a valuable tool for reducing waste, decreasing lead time, and offering more flexibility in design. 3D printing systems have also grown in size and capabilities as technology has improved,” the AMO team said.
