P&W Tests 3D Printed Rotating Part for its TJ150 Engine

Pratt & Whitney, an RTX (NYSE: RTX) business, has successfully completed a series of tests on its 3D printed TJ150 turbine wheel. Positive test results mark a significant step forward in Pratt & Whitney's additive manufacturing capabilities as the turbine wheel is one of the first rotating parts to be 3D printed.

The TJ150 is a compact, high-performance turbojet engine that can be manufactured quickly and has proven reliability. With 150-pounds of thrust, it is designed to power a variety of autonomous systems and weapons.

"Today we're fielding and flying static engine parts. Rotating engine components, especially for expendable class applications, is the next step," said Chris Hugill, executive director of Pratt & Whitney GATORWORKS. "Our testing confirms we're on track with the engine performing at full operating speeds and temperatures and meeting expected life duration. This technology is transforming how we design, develop and deliver capabilities faster."

Pratt & Whitney GATORWORKS was the driving force behind the initial TJ150 redesign, drawing on close collaboration between its technical and manufacturing teams and the RTX Technology Research Center. Leveraging a process called unitization, engineers decreased core module part count from over 50 to just a handful, significantly reducing production time and cost. Using in-house capability, they designed and tested the engine within eight months. This latest round of testing marks a significant step moving from static structures to rotating hardware.