Layer by layer

This other excellent article in MIT's Technology Review gives an update on the applications of 3D printing technology at General Electric. Apparently they are now 3D printing jet engine parts, such as the fuel injector on the left. One major benefit of 3D printing is that it allows corrugating the inside volume of a metal part, thereby considerably reducing its weight. This is of course extremely important in applications such as making parts for both jet and car engines, where reducing weight translates into fuel savings.