Rivalta di Torino (Italy), 23 October 2013 – Avio Aero, a leader in the design, production and maintenance of aeronautical components and systems, will participate in the Genova Science Festival, scheduled from 24 October to 3 November, as official sponsor of the workshop entitled “Gold, Silver, Bronze. The Olympics of Metals”, which explores the world of metals and their applications in the aeronautical industry.
Guided by the Festival's scientific educational personnel, the initiative will allow participants to examine hands-on the alloys commonly used for manufacturing aeronautical engine components: nickel steel, titanium, aluminium, bronze and magnesium, to mention but a few. Specifically, they will have the opportunity to learn more about TiAl, an intermetallic compound composed of titanium and aluminium, which Avio Aero uses in its products obtained by additive manufacturing. This innovative process allows the manufacture of solid objects of any shape from a digital model by incorporating metal powders. These TiAl powders enable the creation of high-performance components featuring special characteristics, such as low pressure turbine blades used in the hot parts of the engine, where temperatures above 700° C are reached.
Inside the workshop, visitors will be able to view the low pressure turbine and the accessory transmission system of the GEnx engine, which powers Boeing's 747 aircraft, as well as aeronautical blades built using additive manufacturing technology.
Through participation in the Genova Science Festival, Avio Aero confirms its commitment in promoting scientific education initiatives and activities. The company carries out research and technological development through a network of laboratories in Italian university campuses and through collaborations with 24 Italian and international universities and research centers. It is currently involved in approximately 40 research programmes with the objective to develop distinctive technologies for next-generation engines. Its activities are also aimed at strengthening its knowledge and skill network, at the national and international level, in what are known as "enabling technologies", which play a major role as drivers of technological advances.
Where to find us
Avio Aero will be in Genova, Piazza delle Feste - Area Porto Antico
ABOUT Avio Aero
Avio Aero is a leading GE Aviation business in the field of the design, manufacture and maintenance of parts and systems for the civil and military aeronautical industry. Avio Aero is the true point of reference and excellence for the whole of the General Electric Group with regards to mechanical transmissions and low pressure turbines. Italy not only plays host to the main headquarters, but also to important plants in Turin, Pomigliano d’Arco (Naples) and Brindisi. It numbers approximately 4900 employees worldwide (of whom approximately 4000 are in Italy) and boasts production plants in Poland, Brazil and China. The origins of Avio Aero date back to 1908, with the last century having seen the company play a key role in a great many technological challenges. Through continuous investments made in R&D and with the help of a consolidated network of relations with the main international universities and research centres, Avio Aero has successfully achieved a technological and manufacturing leadership position that is acknowledged across the globe: an important first, as is also shown by the partnerships established with some of the most important aeronautical players.