When people think of additive manufacturing (AM), they usually think of 3D printing. Of course, 3D printing is an extremely innovative technology and is at one of its most exciting stages of evolution right now. However, it does have its limitations -- in size and the applications for which it can be used.

GE is working on an AM method to address those limitations. It is using a spray paint technique known as cold spray (or sometimes 3D painting) that builds upon metal surfaces. Metal powders are sprayed from a nozzle at extremely high velocities to add material to metal objects. During the process, a strong bond is created, and only a minimal amount of heat is transferred. As a result, the process is safer than welding and still results in a durable end product.

Anteneh Kebbede, manager of the Coating and Surface Technologies Lab at the GE Research Center, said in a press release:

Cold spray, a method invented in the 1980s, has been used mostly in military applications. Until now, there was no commercially available method for utilizing this technique. GE's process makes it possible for companies to use this technology to extend the lifetime and quality of their products. In the future, this may be a common method of repair for many different facilities.

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