Divergent 3D partners with SLM Solutions to develop automotive manufacturing platforms
March 25, 2017
Divergent’s approach to auto manufacturing incorporates additively manufactured joints, or nodes, that connect carbon fibre structural materials to create a vehicle chassis that can be assembled in a matter of minutes (Courtesy Divergent 3D)
Technology development and licensing company Divergent 3D, California, USA, has entered into a strategic development partnership with SLM Solutions Group, Germany. The companies will work together to develop specific hardware and software to accelerate the scaling of the Divergent Manufacturing Platform for cost-effective, high-volume vehicle production.
While Additive Manufacturing has long been used in the auto industry for small-scale pilot projects focused on developing individual components for production, Divergent 3D and SLM Solutions have stated that they intend to use AM technology to transform the process of designing and manufacturing overall vehicle structures, with the aim of building lighter, structurally safe, more cost-efficient and environmentally responsible automobiles.
Divergent’s approach to auto manufacturing incorporates additively manufactured joints, or nodes, that connect carbon fibre structural materials to create a vehicle chassis that can be assembled in a matter of minutes. In September 2016 the company also announced a partnership with France’s PSA Group, parent of Peugeot, Citroen and DS automotive brands.
“We are very impressed by the rapid development and implementation of Divergent 3D’s technology in the automotive sector. By working together with Divergent, we can help to provide manufacturers with the tools to build more profitable, innovative and environmentally sustainable vehicles while dramatically reducing manufacturing capital cost and providing almost unlimited design flexibility,” stated Hans-Joachim Ihde, Chairman of the Supervisory Board and Founder of SLM Solutions Group.
“SLM Solutions Group is a powerful, long-term strategic partner for Divergent 3D, working with us to provide 3D metal printing hardware and software specific to the Divergent Manufacturing Platform™,” added Kevin Czinger, Founder and CEO of Divergent 3D. “We believe that this will transform the way vehicle structures are designed, engineered, manufactured and assembled.”
