Researchers at Kyoto University have found that molybdenum silicides can improve the efficiency of turbine blades in ultrahigh-temperature combustion systems.

With the design and supply of two 8 MN isothermal forging plants from Siempelkamp, Leistritz Turbinentechnik GmbH aims to manufacture turbine blades made of titanium aluminide.

The forging presses will be used to manufacture a new generation of aircraft engines which are, compared to the nickel-base alloys currently used, up to 50 percent lighter while offering the same strength. Thus, they allow for significantly reduced fuel consumption.