While the title is clearly suggesting that an entire jet engine is to be printed. The details of this application as stated in the article point to the specific

While the title is clearly suggesting that an entire jet engine is to be printed. The details of this application as stated in the article point to the specific method of laser sintering, which as a form of 3D printing, is useful to creating specific parts. This article does illustrate the different methods of 3D or additive printing capabilities, outside of the common knowledge we seem to be exposed to through the maker movement. NASA / Military has also explored a multitude of options with additive printing, battle field printing and space station printing. In regards to parts such as fan blades, which are mainly composite materials in recent engines, this would not be applicable. Where there are parts that are subject to extreme heat and must retain certain properties, therefore, expensive to manufacture, this process has many benefits as highlighted. EDIT: In the case of "extreme heat", it may apply for certain types of metals. http://machinedesign.com/article/new-superalloys-boost-direct-metal-laser-sintering-0824 http://machinedesign.com/article/new-superalloys-boost-direc... http://www.onlineamd.com/amd-0310-laser-sintered-titanium-eos-shellabear.aspx http://www.onlineamd.com/amd-0310-laser-sintered-titanium-eo...