Stratasys Ltd. has announced a partnership with Gulf Wind Technology, a company focused on improving rotor design for wind turbines, to enhance wind tunnel testing using additive manufacturing solutions. By adopting Stratasys Neo stereolithography (SLA) technology, Gulf Wind Technology has significantly reduced the design and fabrication cycle for wind tunnel models, allowing for faster design iteration and unique capabilities such as pressure taps for real-time airflow data.
The collaboration between the two companies highlights the benefits of additive manufacturing in the design and testing of wind turbine models. Gulf Wind Technology has been able to cut down the design iteration time from 30 to 40 days to just 3 to 4 days, enabling them to take on more business and improve efficiency. By leveraging 3D printing technology, Gulf Wind Technology can now design internal structures and pressure taps directly into test models, something that was not possible with traditional methods.
Rich Garrity, chief business unit officer at Stratasys, emphasizes the importance of additive manufacturing in the manufacturing industry, highlighting how Gulf Wind Technology has successfully integrated 3D printing into their design process. The use of Stratasys Neo SLA technology and Somos PerFORM Reflect material has allowed Gulf Wind Technology to produce models with high strength and temperature resistance, crucial for wind tunnel testing.
By incorporating 3D printing into their design process, Gulf Wind Technology is able to optimize wind turbine designs more efficiently and maximize wind energy efficiency, particularly in applications in the Gulf of Mexico. The success of this collaboration showcases the potential of additive manufacturing in revolutionizing traditional manufacturing processes and driving innovation in various industries.
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