Evendale, Ohio – GE Aviation manufactures intricate parts by investment casting. Recent manufacturing advancements show potential to improve upon current processes in terms of cost, speed, and material while maintaining the same quality standards required for these parts.
NineSigma, representing the General Electric Co., invites technology proposals for alternative manufacturing methods to investment casting of aircraft engine components. Such alternative manufacturing methods must improve upon the current process in terms of cost reduction per part and speed of manufacture while maintaining or improving product quality and reliability.
Reward
Up to six (6) respondents will each receive a cash prize of US$5000 for a total prize pool of up to US$30,000. In addition, successful participants may have the opportunity to become a collaborator/supplier to General Electric. Potential for further engagement with GE may include mentoring, funding for technical development, licensing, technology acquisition and/or collaboration toward commercialization and may involve vendor assessments, technology discussions and post-Challenge negotiations.
Success criteria
Participants in this challenge will submit a detailed description of the proposed process and data that demonstrates the viability of this process to produce the described part with conformance to the dimensional and metallurgical requirements stated.
Alternative manufacturing process must meet current inspection criteria. In addition, the ideal manufacturing process should achieve one or more of the following:
- Reduce the cost of parts manufacturing significantly (a 25% reduction over investment casting is the goal) (Target cost: $5800);
- Improve upon the speed of manufacturing (Cycle time: 12 weeks);
- Typical production annual volume: 125; and
- Improve tolerance controls so as to permit reduction of material and maintain minimum wall thickness.
RESPONSE DEADLINE IS: JAN. 28, 2015
See Official Rules for details. Must be 18 years of age or older to participate. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited.
Source: GE Aviation