GE Global Research, Niskayuna, NY, announced it has created a new lab at its upstate New York headquarters dedicated entirely to additive manufacturing. Since GE produces a number of small, sophisticated devices, the lab’s research may cut down on an expensive, time-consuming process.

GE scientists are already studying additive manufacturing (3D printing) techniques to reduce labor and costs on metal transducers used in ultrasound devices. Applying additive techniques, which can print these intricate patterns on the probe all at once, can save hours of cutting and refinement.