When we first reported on Cobra Aero, we told the story of how this maker of an unmanned aerial system engine (that is, a drone engine) had redesigned the engine cylinder for metal additive manufacturing (AM). The switch from casting to 3D printing the cylinder allowed for significant improvement in engine performance. Unknown to Cobra at the time, the cylinder would not stand as the greatest win the company would see from AM. When production was interrupted because of the COVID-19 crisis, the delay gave the company's small engineering team the chance to experiment with its Renishaw AM system to see what other parts could be produced this way. As CEO Sean Hilbert describes, a redesign of the engine’s exhaust for AM consolidated 13 parts into one, removed 25% of the weight, simplified assembly, improved power efficiency and produced a quieter drone.

This episode is part of a series in which we revisit companies from past episodes to find stories of how AM is advancing in surprising ways during the coronavirus pandemic.



LEARN MORE ABOUT:

- Cobra Aero:

https://www.cobra-aero.com/

- Our episode about the 3D printed engine cylinder:

https://www.additivemanufacturing.med...

- Cobra’s use of AM alongside CNC machining capability:

https://www.additivemanufacturing.med...

- AM technology from Renishaw

https://www.additivemanufacturing.med...



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Additive Manufacturing is the leading media brand covering 3D printing for industrial applications. In addition to the print magazine, AM includes a website, e-newsletter and annual conference.



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