Additive manufacturing (AM)

as one of the most competitive manufacture technologies around the world

was investigated for the application of metal parts in aero-engine. The principles

connotations and development of typical AM technologies applied for metal materials' direct energy deposit (DED) and powder bed fusion (PBF)

were analyzed in emphasis. Furthermore

the applications of AM in the development of commercialized aero-engine parts

such as fuel nozzle and low pressure turbine blade

and in the repairing of aero-engine parts

such as turbine blade

whole blisk and gear

were summarized. It is indicated that metal AM technology is suitable for aero-engine parts made from metal material

such as titanium alloy

nickel-based alloy

titanium-aluminium (Ti-Al) alloy

etc. AM technology shows the advantages in design

manufacture and affordability

which are important for the future development of aero-engine industry.