Industrial Laser Solutions

Metal additive manufacturing improves Cobra Aero's engine design

Aug. 16, 2019

To optimize the design of its engine cylinders, Cobra Aero worked with Renishaw to gain expertise in additive manufacturing.

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Metal additive manufacturing systems provider Renishaw (Wotton-under-Edge, England) worked with engine manufacturing company Cobra Aero (Hillsdale, MI) to optimize its design processes for aircraft and motorcycle engines. After working with Renishaw to develop new manufacturing processes, Cobra Aero invested in the AM 400 additive manufacturing system to increase its capabilities.

To optimize the design of its engine cylinders, Cobra Aero worked with Renishaw to gain expertise in additive manufacturing. The company visited a Renishaw Additive Manufacturing Solutions Centre and collaborated with Renishaw engineers to use additive manufacturing to improve the design of a cylinder for an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). Using additive manufacturing technology allowed Cobra Aero to design a lattice structure to increase airflow, and also allowed them to produce a solid, lightweight part.

"We decided to redesign the cylinder because of its importance in an engine," says Sean Hilbert, president of Cobra Aero. "Design changes to this part of the engine must happen rapidly and it is also a high-value part, which is why we have chosen to additively manufacture this component. Improving the performance of the cylinder will also improve the overall performance of the engine."

For more information, please visit renishaw.com/additive.