High-speed engine blade manufacturing
High-speed video of GEnx engine blade manufacturing at CFAN offers a great look at the complexity of composites manufacturing.
It's well understood that composites manufacturing in general can be a complex and complicated process. Composites are, after all, the only material that that is made as the part is made, and when you consider the host of fibers, resins and manufacturing processes available, the complexity can be a blessing and a curse.
For a glimpse of that complexity, it's hard to beat this video of the CFAN plant in San Marcos, TX, US, making GEnx aircraft engine fan blades. It's a fascinating and quick tour of the materials, processes, equipment and people required to make one blade. And I can't help but wonder what this process might look like in 10 years.
GEnx carbon fiber composite fan blades.
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