3D printing optimizes wind turbine development at Gulf Wind Technology

Stratasys has announced that Gulf Wind Technology, a company specializing in the advancement of rotors for wind turbines, is using additive manufacturing solutions to accelerate the development and optimization of models. With the introduction of Stratasys Neo Stereolithography (SLA) technology, the company has been able to significantly shorten its design and manufacturing cycles while opening up new possibilities in modeling and data collection.

Using Stratasys Neo systems, design iterations for wind tunnel models that used to take 30 to 40 days are now completed in just 3 to 4 days. This acceleration is complemented by the ability to integrate special features such as pressure measurement points directly into the models. Such features enable real-time airflow analyses that are difficult or impossible to implement using conventional methods.

“By leveraging the Stratasys Neo SLA system we can generate far more data in a shorter time. This has enabled us to run our design process with more rigor, become more efficient, and take on business that we previously had to turn away,” said James Martin, CEO of Gulf Wind Technology. “Additive manufacturing allows our engineers to design internal structures, and pressure taps directly into our test models, which we couldn’t achieve with traditional methods.”

A decisive factor is the material used: Somos PerFORM Reflect resin offers high strength, rigidity and temperature resistance, properties that are essential for wind tunnel tests. At the same time, it enables easy post-processing and cleaning, which facilitates integration into the development process.

Rich Garrity, Chief Business Unit Officer at Stratasys, added, “Our work with Gulf Wind Technology demonstrates how manufacturers are adopting additive manufacturing where it makes the most sense for their business. By leveraging its unique advantages, Gulf Wind Technology can rapidly prototype and test complex designs, greatly improving their efficiency and ability to innovate. This is a perfect example of how 3D printing is expanding its place on the manufacturing floor alongside traditional methods.”

Gulf Wind Technology was inspired by 3D printing in Formula 1 development and is now using similar approaches to optimize airflow shapes and rotor designs for use in the Gulf of Mexico. Stratasys technologies are making it possible to develop wind turbines more efficiently and faster than ever before.