General Dynamics, GE Partner to Incorporate 3D Printing Into Combat Vehicle Parts Production

General Dynamics is working with General Electric’s additive print services business to integrate a 3D printing system into the production of metal components for combat vehicle platforms. 

GE said Wednesday it will help General Dynamics' land systems segment to qualify, produce and conduct post processing and inspection of 3D-printed vehicle parts under the partnership agreement. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Both companies will also work to identify the potential additive manufacturing approaches to reduce lead times and increase performance of components.

GE and General Dynamics previously partnered in 3D printing a titanium cable guard for the first additively manufactured metal part for a U.S. ground combat vehicle. The new guard was 85 percent lighter compared with the existing steel component on the vehicle, GE noted.