A lot of interesting stuff is happening in Australia: Monash University and Amaero have prototyped and tested a new rocket engine. This rocket engine is using a geometry that is difficult to build without using 3D Printing, it enables a higher efficiency at higher altitude.
Using 3D Printing you can create engineered lattice structures that promote an even cooling of the engine and its content. Such lattice structure can be created with software such as Betatype: http://www.betaty.pe/technology/.
In the past, they managed to build also a Jet Engine: very interesting to follow those guys.
This is pretty exciting to see such kind of improvements that 3D Printing helps to leverage and make it happens.
Sources:
- https://www.businessinsider.com.au/watch-australias-3d-printed-rocket-engine-is-being-tested-2017-9
- https://3dprint.com/166424/monash-university-amaero-xline/
- https://3dprintingindustry.com/news/amaero-monash-3d-printed-rocket-engine-121036/
- https://3dprintingindustry.com/news/monash-additive-manufacturing-postdoc-reimagines-rocket-engine-design-betatype-118049/
- https://www.monash.edu/news/articles/melbournes-3d-jet-engine-technology-flies-into-production-in-france
- http://www.scienceinpublic.com.au/media-releases/monash-avalonairshow-2015